Current Final

Tag: Pakistan

  • The journey of economic progress will pick up pace: PM Shehbaz

    The journey of economic progress will pick up pace: PM Shehbaz

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation and the business community on the start of business activities with a remarkable flow of 2231 points in the stock exchange on the first day of the week.

    In a statement, the PM said that the country’s economic recovery has started, crediting it to the continuous hard work and effective policies of the government.

    The PM said that the journey of economic development, reduction in inflation, and progress in Pakistan is going to restart again. Shehbaz Sharif further said that the country is again on the track of development.

    He congratulated the nation, saying a new light of hope had emerged after severe disappointments, after the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    He further said that the country will continue the journey of economic development and stability with the same hard work and passion.

    The PM also said that the journey of progress will pick up pace in multiple sectors like agriculture, Information Technology (IT), and industry.

  • ‘I was blackmailed’: boxer Amir Khan says model Sumaira extorted money from him

    ‘I was blackmailed’: boxer Amir Khan says model Sumaira extorted money from him

    Bridal model Sumaira has shared screenshots of former Pakistani-British boxer Amir Khan begging her for nudes, and encouraging her to meet him behind the back of his wife Faryal, The Sun has reported. The article, dated July 1, gave details of Khan’s alleged messages, including ones where he is terming his marriage a “business arrangement” and saying that he and Faryal were not on speaking terms anymore.

    Sumaira revealed to The Sun:

     “We had a phone call and he said he and Faryal were not properly together and that it was a bit of a business arrangement.

    “He said he was 36 and retired and that Faryal spent a lot of time in London. He spun me a bit of a sob story, and to begin with I felt sorry for him and thought he was lonely.”

    Khan has finally responded, recounting his side of the story by revealing that Sumaira deleted a lot of messages, only sharing a select few with the British tabloid which pushed the narrative of cheating on his wife, Geo reports.

    The former boxer alleged that Sumaira had reached out to him on social media where she stated that she was looking to escape from her family. The model sent revealing pictures of Amir when he asked her about her faith, which Khan said he had rejected because he wasn’t impressed by the model’s actions.

     “All I replied was that you look good but really that wasn’t something I was impressed by. To be honest, it put me off.”

    Amir then went on to address whether he had written ‘I can’t stop looking’ to Sumaira, and he responded that it was on her request to give her a compliment.

    “I wish you would say I can’t stop looking so I did. Then she sent a lot more and all I said was it’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” he confessed.

    Then Khan revealed that Sumaira asked him to give her £20,000, saying that she needed to get hand surgery.

    “I said I can’t give you any money. Go get a job and it’s wrong if you want money.”

    Khan said the model was writing lies about him in order to make money to leave her family:

    “The reason she went to the paper was I didn’t want to give her money. Her story about her family disowning her did upset me but I knew she’s on the money thing and is a liar. I stopped messaging her.”

    He also went on to reject the allegation by Sumaria that the boxer wanted to cheat on his wife, and that their marriage was a ‘business relation’:

    “I told her I am happily married. Not once did we speak about me and Faryal being together for the TV show. I think all my followers on socials know we are together and very happy. I reacted to the pictures out of the blue she sent me because I wanted to not upset her. But it wasn’t something you would take a look at twice. I also said to her sort your life out and that you are a Muslim girl. I’m sure your family will help you. She spoke ill about her family and why she didn’t live with them,” he confessed.

  • Govt expected to hike gas prices by 50%, electricity by Rs4 per unit for IMF deal

    Govt expected to hike gas prices by 50%, electricity by Rs4 per unit for IMF deal

    Pakistan is expected to increase gas sale prices by 45-50 per cent and electricity base tariffs by Rs3.50 to over Rs4 per unit for the fiscal year 2023-24.

    These adjustments must be notified before the upcoming meeting of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board on July 12.

    According to reports, this increase in energy prices is necessary to pave the way for the $3 billion programme agreed upon under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the IMF at the staff level.

    Earlier, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) announced an increase of 50 per cent (Rs415.11 per MMBTU) for consumers of the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL), bringing the subscribed gas price to Rs1,238.68 per MMBTU.

    Additionally, the regulator raised the gas price by 45 per cent (Rs417.23 per MMBTU) for consumers of the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) for the fiscal year 2023-24. However, the government has yet to officially notify the increase in gas prices for the upcoming financial year.

    The SNGPL has an accumulated shortfall of Rs560.378 billion up to FY23, while Sui Southern has a shortfall of Rs97.388 billion. The federal government had previously notified the increase in gas sale prices based on different categories from January 1, 2023.

    As per the existing policy, high-end consumers subsidise the gas prices for low-end consumers. It is likely that the government will continue this policy, with high-end consumers paying the gas price for low-end consumers starting from July 1, 2023.

    According to The News, the entire energy sector is currently burdened by circular debt, which amounts to over Rs4,300 billion. This debt is divided between the oil and gas sector, with Rs1,700 billion, and the power sector, with Rs2,600 billion.

    The IMF emphasises the need for Pakistan to make the energy sector viable and sustainable, which requires increasing the base tariff for the fiscal year 2023-24.

  • Naila Kiani and Samina Baig become first Pakistani women to summit Nanga Parbat

    Naila Kiani and Samina Baig become first Pakistani women to summit Nanga Parbat

    On Sunday, Naila Kiani and Samina Baig were two of the 52 climbers that scaled Nanga Parbat, the ninth-tallest mountain in the world with a peak that stands at 8,126 metres. They officially became the first Pakistani women to ever summit Nanga Parbat, a mountain known to be a particularly treacherous one to climb.

    Both women were part of different expedition teams. Naila Kiani’s ascent was announced by the Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (APC), Karrar Haidri in the following statement:

    “Today on July 2, 2023, at 10:18am, Naila Kiani scaled the majestic Nanga Parbat, standing tall at an inspirational height of 8,125 metres. She became the first Pakistani woman to climb Nanga Parbat.”

    Nanga Parbat is one of the 14 ‘eight-thousanders’, as recognised by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA). This means their summits are in the ‘death-zone’, i.e. past 8000 metres, where oxygen levels are too low to sustain human life for an extended time-span.

    Naila has now scaled seven out of these 14 peaks. ACP said that apart from Nanga Parbat, Naila has scaled Mount Everest, K-2, Lhotse, Annapurna, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II. “She serves as a bright example of how people can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles,” Mr Haidri stated.

    Samina Baig also became the first Pakistani woman to scale peaks on all seven continents.

    The Killer Mountain

    Nanga Parbat is notorious for being an extremely difficult climb, earning the nickname Killer Mountain for its high number of climber fatalities, and the way its unforgiving terrain pushes climbers to their limits.

    In the same expedition, a Spanish mountaineer died at Nanga Parbat Base Camp number 5, ARY News reports. Police reported the man died due to a heart attack.

    Last year, the Pakistan Army had to rescue two climbers who were stranded after summitting Nanga Parbat, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

  • Babar, Khusshaal: Celebrities who went viral with hilarious memes

    Babar, Khusshaal: Celebrities who went viral with hilarious memes

    We know our celebrities are incredibly talented, but you have to be talented at a whole other level to be able to go viral because someone has made memes out of your performance. And hum Pakistanis ki tou baat hee kya hai, we’re miserable because of, well, everything, but our meme game is undefeatable.

    From Babar Azam’s shock to Hira Mani, here are some hilarious moments that changed pop culture and the phrases you have been hearing to death.

    1 Hira Mani went viral when she said “Mard ko bhi tou samjho” in her interview with Samina Peerzada and launched a string of memes.

    2 We salute Khushhal Khan for his services to the meme game. Really sir, no one does it like you.

    https://twitter.com/peachcrisis/status/1675636350203359233?s=20

    3 Never change Babar Azam, please never change.

    https://twitter.com/inabaabelfaroqi/status/1612466551571070976?s=20

    4 Aye Musht-e-Khaak ended eons ago but this meme of Feroze Khan remains frozen on the internet.

  • Bilawal visits Tokyo, says Pakistan needs ‘trade, not aid’

    Bilawal visits Tokyo, says Pakistan needs ‘trade, not aid’

    Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on his maiden visit to Japan, has declared his intention to boost trade and promote diplomatic ties between the two countries on Sunday. He stated that Pakistan needed trade and not aid.

    Giving an address at an event organised by the Pakistani diaspora living in Tokyo, Bilawal maintained that the two countries have agreed to further deepen and enhance their mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in multiple areas. These include trade, investment, human resource development and exchange, IT, tourism and agriculture sectors.

    “We have also jointly agreed to explore the possibility of working together on targeted programs with higher impact in the domains of solarisation, desalination, and water purification and housing and infrastructure rebuilding in the floods affected areas in Pakistan,” Bilawal said in a joint press stakeout along with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi, as reported by The News.

    Empowering our workforce

    In addition, the two sides have agreed to conduct language skill assessment tests for the Japanese language in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of skilled workers. The Nation reported that Bilawal underscored the importance of Pakistanis living abroad, stating: “The overseas Paki­stanis are our assets, who are play­ing vital role to promote bilateral ties between Pakistan and Japan. Our population consists of 65 per­cent youth and we want Pakistani youth to get employment in Japan.”

    Potential for growth

    The Foreign Minister met with repre­sentatives of the Japan Interna­tional Development Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Orga­nization (JETRO) to discuss poten­tial for trade and investment. He also stated that Pakistan’s incumbent government was working on economic diplomacy in order to bring prosperity to the country.

    Bilawal also went on to praise Japan’s advancement in IT and other fields, saying Pakistan could learn from them. Both sides have seen a new vigour in their relationship through continued high-level exchanges.

  • Khaqan Abbasi thinks it’s ‘ethically wrong’ for PM to engage Farogh Nasim

    Khaqan Abbasi thinks it’s ‘ethically wrong’ for PM to engage Farogh Nasim

    Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said in a TV show that he is not aware of the appointment of former law minister Barrister Farogh Naseem as a lawyer for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    He further said on Sawal Yeh Hai that he doesn’t know who makes the appointment, but firmly declared that it is ethically wrong to engage a person as a lawyer if he has been accused by the same government.

    Farogh Naseem, a law minister in the previous government, will represent Shehbaz Sharif in a case pertaining to civilian trials in military courts.
    The Premier has chosen Naseem to be his attorney in the matter. Following the arrest of their party chairman, angry protestors from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vandalised army installations, prompting the government to decide to try civilians under army laws.

    Special Assistant to PM Shehbaz, Malik Ahmad Khan, also said that he has disagreement with the political position of Farogh Naseem.

  • Creative and intriguing, here are four reasons why you should go watch ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’

    Creative and intriguing, here are four reasons why you should go watch ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’

    ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’ has been hailed by critics and filmmakers as a progressive step, citing its three unique stories with stellar performances by actors like Wahaj Ali and Mehwish Hayat.

    The anthology film comprising of three stories directed by Nadeem Baig, Marina Khan and Nabeel Qureshi, is at heart an ode to celebrating creativity and the complexity of human nature, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked till the credits roll.

    Here are four reasons why this film should definitely be on your watch list:

    1 Marina Khan knocks it out of the park with a wholesome rom com ‘Pasoori’

    We all remember Marina Khan from beloved classics like ‘Tanhaiyaan’ and ‘Dhoop Kinare’ but her powerful direction in helming this feminist comedy to life is something the Pakistani cinema truly needs, more women led movies that do not center around men. Pasoori revolves around the upcoming wedding of Salman (played by Shehryar Munawar) and Romaisa (Ramsha Khan), who receives an opportunity on her nikkah to perform at a talent show. With its hilarious side characters and Munawar’s ability to incite laughter and tears with his emotions, this was a well directed story.

    2. The hilarious comedy of ‘Jin Mahal’

    Jin Mahal, penned by Ali Abbas and Basit Naqvi and directed by Nabeel Qureshi, starts of with a tragedy as a couple is forced to live in an abandoned train after being forcefully evicted from their home. It still churns out golden moments thanks to stellar performances by Hira and Mani, as their characters Shehenshah and Mumtaz fight to keep their home by tricking others to believe a jinn resides there.

    3. Khalil ul Rehman’s engrossing ‘Aik Sau Taeeswan’

    A gripping tale about possessiveness, betrayal and the complex thing that is love, with gorgeous visuals and a powerful performance by the icon that is Mehwish Hayat, the third and final film is a masterstroke in why we need more films like ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’. With a span of only 35 minutes, the tale dives into the glory of love, and its dark side as two married people sitting in a train confide their marriage woes to each other.

    4. The sizzling chemistry between Mehwish Hayat and Wahaj Ali

    When we spoke to Nadeem Baig, who directed ‘Aik Sau Taeeswan’, about why he picked Mehwish and Wahaj to star in his short film, he revealed that although the two had not shared the screen before, it was interesting to see how their chemistry would work out. In this film, their electrifying chemistry keeps the audience gripped. Hayat keeps the audience in control with her commanding performance as a married woman who is aware of her failing marriage, but refuses to let herself succumb to it. Equally compelling, Wahaj Ali keeps viewers engaged as the screen shifts from their playful flirting dynamics, to guilt and complete shock as the tables turn.

  • Pakistan Meteorological Department issues countrywide monsoon warning

    Pakistan Meteorological Department issues countrywide monsoon warning

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has on Sunday issued a countrywide advisory of heavy monsoon rain, warning that from Monday night onwards there could be hailstorms resulting in urban flooding, as reported by Dawn. 

    PMD said that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan while a wave from the west is likely to enter the region. The weather system is expected to last till July 8, with district administrations being cautioned to remain alert in order to avoid flood-like situations.

    Rain, thunderstorms, and scattered hailstorms are expected in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki, Marwat, Kohat, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh from July 3 – July 8. 

    Rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls expected in Barkhan, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbella, Awaran, Musakhel, D.I Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, D.G. Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Adu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal and Okara from July 5- July 8.  

    Rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad Ghotki, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Mithi, Chhor, Padidan, Nagarparkar, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad and Karachi on July 7 and the next day. 

    From July 4- July 7, low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala and Lahore are at risk of urban flooding caused by heavy rain. The downpour may also trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

    From July 6-July 8, heavy rainfall may cause flash floods in the hill torrent areas of D.G. Khan and adjoining areas of northeast Baluchistan.

    Farmers and tourists have been cautioned to plan their activities keeping in mind the weather forecast. 

    The public has also been cautioned to avoid areas with loose structures during the heavy spells of rain, such as electric poles, solar panels, etc.

  • Woman allegedly raped after false promises of marriage

    Woman allegedly raped after false promises of marriage

    A woman was allegedly raped in Islamabad after being tricked by false promises of marriage.

    According to Geo News, the incident was reported in the capital city on Monday. Police said that the suspect lured the victim by making fake promises of marriage. He then raped her as she traveled from Lahore to Islamabad.

    He also stole the victim’s valuables including her mobile phone, cash and a suit case loaded with clothes.


    The victim stated that when she moved back to Lahore the suspect tricked her again with false promises and raped her after inviting her to the capital city.

    A case has been registered by the police against the suspect and an investigation is underway.