Tag: Pakistan

  • Desi Twitter is revealing which film couples emulate the tragedy of the ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ couple.

    Every one knows about the popular film ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ and the famous moment in the film when Waymond says to Evelyn “In another life, I would have liked doing laundry and taxes with you.” Yes, we all remember how much we sobbed.

    But the tragedy of Waymond and Evelyn not getting together in another life is something desi users are all too familiar with, because we can recall tragic dramas that made us wail for days. The main couple who could have had it all, end up never getting together.

    So did Twitter users find an example of the Pakistani drama that is their Evelyn and Waymond? Turns out there are plenty.

    One user quoted that it was Jamaal and Heer from ‘Qurbaan’ who should have been together but tragedy drove them apart.

    Fawad Khan’s forgotten but beloved telefilm “Behaad” made an entrance where he plays Jamaal, a man who falls in love with a single mother, who is played by the iconic Nadia Jamil, but soon begins facing difficulties from her family.

    Even Jamil herself approved this tweet!

    Did Bollywood also have its own taste of tragic couples who will still make us wail to this day. Turns out it’s way more worse than we thought.

    God this list is just getting worse

    Mera kaleja le lo

    He literally forgot his memories except for the name of his lover oh God

    Happy crying everyone

  • Govt ministers come forward to aid elephant Noor Jehan, address poor facilities at Karachi Zoo

    Social media got together to raise its voice for Noor Jehan, one of the elephants at Karachi Zoo, who was suffering from a joint and bone disease which had left her hind legs completely paralyzed. Pictures of the distressed elephant emerged on Twitter, prompting animal rights activists to demand that the government help with proper treatment and for her to be sent to an elephant sanctuary.

    Government officials have responded with Salman Sufi, Head of Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Strategic Reforms, and Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah pledging to provide immediate medical aid, as well as monitor reports of poor facilities at Karachi Zoo.

    Sufi shared a screenshot of Noor Jehan’s medical test on Twitter, writing that Karachi administration was keeping in touch with Four Paws, a global animal welfare organization that focuses on improving the living conditions of animals.

    “Thank you to everyone who keeps raising voice for #NoorJehan Her tests are being conducted regularly and so is the checkup. Karachi administration has assured of their cooperation with four paws. Team from Punjab wildlife is also arriving this week. We will keep pursuing.”

    The Current reached out to Sufi to ask how Noor Jehan is being provided with medical treatment and his response was:

    “Four Paws have been invited to assess the elephant and Wildlife Punjab has also been sent to assist them. Safari Park Karachi special room is also being constructed for her and regular tests are also being conducted.”

    When asked about whether the government is taking action on reports of negligence, especially food supply because of which many animals and birds were reportedly left to starve, Sufi said:

    “We are monitoring those reports and have requested the Karachi administration. Government of Sindh is actively pursuing this issue as well.”

    In regards to the vocal call by activists to shift Noor Jehan to an elephant sanctuary, Sufi responded that they would be following the doctor’s orders on what is best for the elephant.

    Nasir Hussain Shah visited Karachi Zoo on Monday, where he stated that an inquiry regarding the reports that food supply for animals had been cut off had been initiated and revealed that no such issues were found. He said that a team of doctors is arriving from Vienna. The government is in contact with them to provide the elephant with all the resources she needs.

    Yesterday, The News reported that Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori made a visit to Karachi Zoo, where he told reporters that allegations regarding political support to the zoo staff was false, and action shall be taken against anyone found guilty for spreading this rumor. Moreover, Tessori also revealed that the government was holding an inquiry over the treatment and care of Noor Jehan.

  • Suzuki Swift experiences price increase of over Rs1.8 million since March 2022

    Suzuki Swift experiences price increase of over Rs1.8 million since March 2022

    In a little under a year, the price of cars in Pakistan has risen dramatically. Car companies across the country have announced successive price hikes since last year. Even the most affordable models, such as the Suzuki Alto, have become prohibitively expensive, with prices that the average salaried worker can scarcely afford.

    These price hikes can be attributed to a number of factors, including the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar and an increase in the cost of production. Unfortunately, this has resulted in even basic car models becoming unaffordable luxuries for many people in Pakistan.

    For instance, consider the Suzuki Swift – one of the country’s most popular cars. In March 2022, the base model of the Swift, known as the Suzuki Swift GL with manual transmission, was priced at Rs2,499,000. By March 2023, the same car jumped to Rs4,052,000 – an increase of Rs1,553,000.

    Those looking for a more advanced version of the Swift are in for an even bigger shock. The mid-variant, the Suzuki Swift GL CVT with automatic transmission, was priced at Rs2,699,000 just a year ago. Today, that same model will set you back an astounding Rs4,355,000 – an increase of Rs1,656,000.

    Furthermore, the top-of-the-line model, the Suzuki Swift GLX, has seen a significant price increase. One year ago, the GLX variant was priced at Rs2,899,000. Today, it costs an incredible Rs4,725,000 – a difference of Rs1,826,000.

    Overall, the sharp rise in car prices in Pakistan has made car ownership an unattainable dream for many people. It remains to be seen whether anything will be done to alleviate the financial burden of car ownership in the country.

    To provide a clear comparison, here is a table showcasing the prices of the three variants of the Suzuki Swift from March 2022 to March 2023:

    ModelMarch 2022 PriceMarch 2023 PriceDifference
    Swift GL ManualRs2,499,000Rs4,052,000Rs1,553,000
    Swift GL CVTRs2,699,000Rs4,355,000Rs1,656,000
    Swift GLXRs2,899,000Rs4,725,000Rs1,826,000
  • Yashma Gill debunks the ‘gold digger stereotype’, encourages women to be financially independent

    Yashma Gill debunks the ‘gold digger stereotype’, encourages women to be financially independent

    Yashma Gill was a guest on the Nadir Ali podcast, a clip of which has gone viral, where she passionately spoke out against the misogynist stereotype that women are gold-diggers.

    Ali said that in our society today, a man’s ugliness is considered his empty pocket:

    “Regardless of whether he is good-looking or not, he looks awful without having money. He is told to go and earn money.”

    Gill corrected this statement by pointing out that that many women in successful, happy marriages are earning more than their husbands so this stereotype that women are only in love with money isn’t true:

    “I will not give any names, but around us there are a lot of examples where a woman is more successful than her husband, and they had love marriages…Regardless of these people belonging to my field or not..I don’t like the stigma attached to women that we are gold diggers.”

    Ali brought up a sexist stereotype about women gaining financial independence and abandoning men:

    “When a man earns, he hands over everything he has to the woman. Whereas when a woman begins earning she decides to abandon her man.”

    Gill counteracted this statement by pointing out that financial independence only helps women become more confident within themselves, and doesn’t translate into not wanting a companion anymore.

    “People are confusing this with when a woman becomes financially independent, she is no longer helpless,” stressed the ‘Pyaar Kay Sadqay’ actor. “She can stand up for herself. She can remind her parents that she is no longer a burden on them so doesn’t need to be married off. She can even provide for her children…So I think that independence for women and girls can give them strength and power, not the fact that they don’t need a man. Everyone needs companionship.”

    Gill then gave the example of Hazrat Adam (S.A.W) and Hazrat Havva (S.A.W), to prove that every human being was meant to have a companion:

    “Take the example of Hazrat Adam (S.A.W) and Hazrat Havva (S.A.W), this is a natural thing that evcryone needs companionship. But there must be compatibility, respect and a lot of other things.”

    Listen to her complete interview here:

    Gill shared the viral clip on her Instagram stories to address the misunderstanding that might rise in case audience is assuming that Ali was being sexist, to which the actor had written that the host was respectful and well mannered:

    “So just to clear the air, the respectable host only meant to ask my opinion on what is a common misconception in society. Nowhere did he agree with it himself or said that it is something that he believes in. It was just one of the many things that he discussed with me – “discussed” not imposed, argued or debated. Therefore let’s not get him wrong and frame him in ways he doesn’t deserve because he was nothing but extremely kind and respectful towards me that I was honestly in awe of his nature. A true gentleman.”

  • ‘Azhar Mashwani PTI ke paas hai’: Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that Pakistan Thereek-e-Insaf (PTI) social media activist Azhar Mashwani has not been picked up by the government, implying that he is with PTI.

    Talking in Geo News programme, ‘Naya Pakistan’, Sanaullah said that PTI is carrying out fake propaganda, reiterating that Mashwani has not been abducted by the authorities.

    “He [Azhar Mashwani] is with them [PTI]. They have a way of churning fake narratives, and then they keep on beating around those lines,” said Sanaullah.

    Sanaullah further said that matters have not just reached the point of no return but far beyond the point of no return, stressing that whatever the outcome, PTI Chairman Imran Khan will be solely responsible.

    Read more: ‘Enough is enough’: Khan demands immediate release of PTI activist Azhar Mashwani

    Mashwani was picked up last week by unknown persons. Blaming the authorities for abducting Mashwani, Khan took to Twitter and wrote: “Enough is enough. Police in Punjab and Islamabad are breaking all laws with impunity as they target PTI. Today Azhar Mashwani was abducted in the afternoon from Lahore and his whereabouts are unknown.” Khan demanded the immediate release of Mashwani.

  • Afghanistan brutally exposed new-look Pakistan team with T20 series win

    Afghanistan cricket team on Sunday beat Pakistan’s PSL- pick young team in the second T20 by seven wickets to lead the three match series by 2-0 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.


    This is a historic moment for Afghanistan, marking the first time they have beat Pakistan in any format or in any series they have played against the men in green.


    In an attempt to chase a 131-run target, Afghanistan played mature cricket, slowly working their way towards the target with one ball to go.

    PSL’s Lahore Qalandars death over specialist Zaman Khan was unable to save 5 runs as Najibullah Zadran hit four on the second ball of the over.
    Opener Rahamanullah Gurbaz set the tone for Afghanistan’s chase with 44 off 49 balls, courtesy of only one six and two fours.

    Ibrahim Zadran then contributed an important 38 runs off 40 balls at the one-down position with three fours to his name.

    When asked to finish the match, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi produced 14 off just 9 balls to take the Afghans to the finish line and make sure they broke the tape before Pakistan.

    For Pakistan, only Zaman Khan and Ihsanullah were able to bag one wicket apiece.

    Earlier, Pakistan batted first and all thanks to Imad Wasim’s 64 off 57 balls, were able to post a reasonable 131-run target on the board. Captain Shadab was the second-best batter with his 32 off 25 balls.

    Pakistan started their innings by losing two wickets for zero after Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled a double-wicket maiden.
    Saim Ayub was caught behind the wicket by keeper superbly on the second ball of Pakistan’s innings.


    Incoming batter Abdullah Shafique was once again caught LBW, after losing his wicket in the same fashion in the first T20.

    Farooqi brought the ball swinging back into the right-handed batter, who was unable to predict the movement while trying to play across the line.

    Right-handed opener Mohammad Haris tried to give Pakistan the much-needed push with six and two fours. However, his innings of intent came to a premature end when he edged one to the keeper for an easy catch off pacer Naveenul Haq.


    Tayyab Tahir, another youngster in the Pakistan squad, tried to protect his wicket to give the Men in Green a dependable option in the middle-order, but he also couldn’t lengthen his stay after scoring 13 off 23 balls.

    Big-hitter Azam Khan was dismissed by Afghan captain Rashid after facing four deliveries for only one run.

    Farooqi was the hero for Afghanistan with the ball bagging two wickets off four overs, giving one maiden and 19 runs.

    Naveen, Rashid, and Karim Jannat bagged one wicket each for Afghanistan.
    The last T20I of the three-match series will be played at Sharjah again, on Monday, March 27.

  • ‘We wanted to end Strings at its peak’: Bilal Maqsood opened up about the decision that rocked Pakistan

    On March 25, 2021, Strings announced that after a successful run for 33 years, they had decided to break up the band, with members Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood going their separate ways.

    The decision broke hearts across the subcontinent, as fans grappled with the end of the band they had grown up listening to.

    Now, Bilal Maqsood has opened up about why the decision to end ‘Strings’ was difficult but necessary. He said that because both him and Kapadia wanted to end the band with good memories rather than being cast out of the limelight with disgrace:

    “We were incredibly happy to end ‘Strings’ because the respect we wanted our band to have was our top priority. Both of us had discussed prior to our announcement that if we would ever end the band, we’ll do it at the peak of our career, rather than dragging it on to a point that people beg us to leave and retire.”

    Maqsood made a reference to other members of the sports and music industry, especially senior officials who grow vastly unpopular with audiences because of their denial of the fact that they could lose their fanbase

    “We had noticed this with the sports and music industry, with senior officials who remain in a sort of denial that they could never be unpopular, and since they’ve been here longer they deserve respect from the public. We never wanted ‘Strings’ to go out of the public this way, so we decided that it’s best to end this before that happens. Lockdown provided us with the perfect opportunity because that’s when things began to stagnate, concerts weren’t happening so it was a good opportunity to end with good memories with our fans.”

    Maqsood went on to thank the fans who had kept the band popular for 33 years since they began and promised that even though they had gone on their separate ways, he will have a lot of respect for Faisal Kapadia and wished him the best of luck with everything in his life.

    Maqsood also assured his fans that he was still making more music, and soon they will see other projects that he is working on come to light.

    Listen to his complete video here:

  • Pervaiz Elahi ko humnay aisay rakha hai jaisay handi mein masala, says Fawad Chaudhry

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry spoke disparagingly against party president Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.

    Fawad Chaudhry said that Elahi is not a public favourite, rather he is someone who does politics with the powerful.

    Fawad further said that every party has a ‘handi’ [cooked dish] in which different spices are added, and he [Pervaiz Elahi] is also an important spice.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the former Chief Minister of Punjab, Elahi, has recently parted ways with Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and joined PTI.

    The rift between Elahi and Chaudhry seems to continue as in the past the party president had spoken in favour of Fawad’s arrest and later apologised for his statement.

  • Ishaq Dar assures govt is taking all possible measures to overcome economic challenges

    Ishaq Dar assures govt is taking all possible measures to overcome economic challenges

    The Finance Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, has stated that the federal government is working diligently to steer the country out of its current economic challenges and towards sustainable growth.

    Speaking at an Iftar dinner hosted by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in honor of foreign diplomats, Dar urged friendly countries to fulfill their commitments to Pakistan to pave the way for a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the revival of the economy.

    Dar highlighted that Pakistan was expected to become the world’s 18th-strongest economy in 2016 but is now facing serious economic challenges. He reassured attendees that Pakistan would not default and that the government is doing everything in its power to overcome the difficulties.

    The President of ICC, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, called on the government to ensure consistency in economic policies to boost investor confidence. He encouraged diplomats to invest in Pakistan, emphasizing the country’s large market with over 220 million consumers and opportunities in various sectors of its economy.

    Bakhtawari expressed hope that a deal with the IMF would soon be concluded and urged the government to work towards ending the country’s reliance on foreign loans and becoming self-sufficient. He assured attendees that the business community would fully support the government in achieving this goal.

    According to APP, the Iftar dinner was attended by diplomats from various countries, including Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Indonesia, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Malaysia, Poland, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Republic of Turkish Northern Cyprus, who commended the ICCI for hosting the event.

  • ‘Ya Imran ya hum’; Rana Sanaullah thinks Khan’s removal from politics is only solution to current crisis

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, in an interview with PNN News, turned his guns toward Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and blamed him for all the chaos and polarisation in the country.

    The minister was of the view that till the time Khan is in politics, there will never be peace in the country.

    He pointed out that Khan’s supporters considered the government their enemy and there is no solution to this problem.

    Ya woh siyasat se manfi ho jaye gaye, ya hum, “(Either he will be subtracted from politics or us).

    Sanaullah also warned the PTI chief that “if they push them back, they would be forced to retaliate and will not care about anything.”

    Pakistan is in a deep constitutional and political crisis as the ruling coalition and PTI fight it out. Despite the government’s efforts in the past to talk to PTI, the former ruling party ruled out any possibility.

    However recently, Khan has agreed to sit with rival political parties for “greater national consensus” on elections.

    But no efforts from both side have been made so far.