Author: newsdesk

  • Men, take notes’: Saad standing up for his wife in recent episode of ‘Mujhay Pyaar Hua Tha’ is winning hearts

    A recent episode of ‘Mujhay Pyaar Hua Tha’ is winning hearts across social media because it exemplifies that a real man is not someone who is quick to accuse his wife, but one who truly loves her and stands besides her in every situation.
    If the last episode proved how Maheer and Saad were compatible with each other, then this episode made us swoon because it demonstrated how Saad will never hesitate to stand up to anyone who insults or attacks her with baseless allegations.
    In this scene, when Areeb’s fiance stormed Maheer and Saad’s wedding and began degrading her with slurs and calling her ‘characterless’, Saad was quick to stand up for her and demand she leaves.

    Twitter users are swooning at this display of protection and love how Saad will prove time and time again through his actions how much he adores Maheer.

    Can men take notes on this!!

    Other moments in the episode proved how Maheer is protected and loved by Saad at all costs and yes, we agree with the rest of Twitter that this type of chemistry hasn’t been displayed in television dramas.

    What users are loving is how despite the fact that they’ve been married for a short time, Maheer and Saad are able to bond faster because they were friends before marrying.

    “SaHeer will be one of the most beautiful ones because even though love is one sided but their is mutual trust & respect which actually builds the foundation of good relationship.I hope they always feel home,” one user wrote.

    https://twitter.com/eastmusings/status/1632807110265417728?s=20

    Whose cutting onions? Not us!

    Users are especially in awe of the upcoming episode when Maheer is being insulted by the entire family, Saad assures her that he will never abandon her or regret standing next to her.

    https://twitter.com/KiranAftab97/status/1633036597611446272?s=20

  • ‘Bilawal jawan admi hai, usay ghussa barri jaldi aajata hai’: Zardari about son’s threat to leave ministries

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari while talking about his son, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, said that he is a young man and easily gets angry.

    “Bilawal is a young man; he gets angry quickly. I am used to showing patience for 67 years. He is Oxford returned; he does not believe in such things. He says a promise was made to me [by the federal government]; where is the money? Either you shouldn’t have made the promise, now that you have, you should fulfill it,” said Zardari when talking about his son’s statement that PPP can leave ministries if promises made to flood victims were not fulfilled.

    Addressing a ceremony at the inauguration of Seed Subsidy programme for flood-affected farmers in Karachi on Sunday, March 5, Bilawal said, “Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] and the federal government made promises for the flood victims, and those promises and announcements need to be fulfilled. I will be talking to the premier; we [will] take up this issue in the National Assembly.”

    “Wherever these promises were made need to fulfilled, otherwise it will be very difficult for us [PPP] to continue working in the ministry,” added Bilawal.

  • ‘Topi hee nahin, sherwani bhi utaaroonga’: PTI’s Shamim Naqvi protest against rising inflation

    ‘Topi hee nahin, sherwani bhi utaaroonga’: PTI’s Shamim Naqvi protest against rising inflation

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader MPA Firdous Shamim Naqvi decided to remove his cap and unbutton his sherwani during a session of the Sindh Assembly on Monday to protest against rising inflation.

    Naqvi said the poor in Sindh did not have the financial means to feed their family members. He added that there had been an unprecedented hike in the prices of essential food products as common people could not buy them anymore.

     “I won’t just take my cap off, but my sherwani too,” the PTI MPA said.

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sharmila Farooqui said it was not appropriate to take off one’s clothes like this [in public]. “Do they undress like this in their houses? Mothers, sisters, daughters and wives are sitting here [in the House],” she said.

  • Economy is a feminist issue, Aurat March releases its manifesto (and we couldn’t agree more)

    Aurat March has selected it’s theme for this year: Feminism in the Times of Crisis, and the social movement has released a statement on their Instagram page detailing their demands from the government to improve the economic conditions of the country.
    “The economic crisis in Pakistan is not just a financial problem, it is a humanitarian crisis that affects the most vulnerable people in our society. The government’s reliance on Western lenders is a short-term solution that will have long-term consequences for the poor and marginalized. The current economic policies of the government are exacerbating inequality and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. We must prioritize pro-poor growth and invest in the well-being of its most marginalized citizens,” the statement reads.

    The manifesto went on to address current talks between the Pakistani government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stating how the measures implemented due to these loans will impact women, working class and the rural poor directly:
    “The government is relying on bailout loans from Western lenders like IMF to starve off an impending economic collapse. These loans come with conditions like privaitization of public institutions and services, removal of electricity and fuel subsidies, increase in indirect taxes, and cuts in social expenditures. These measures will impact those who are already marginalized. Women, working-class people, and rural poor are already caught up in the crushing cycles of poverty, struggling to survive amidst structural issues like mounting debt, and situational economic blows like COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and unprecedented destruction in the wake of the 2022 floods.”
    The movement went on to reveal that global rankings show Pakistan ranks the lowest regarding per capita income, health, and education in South Asia, and needs to introduce economic policies that prioritize the poor and marginalized of the country:
    “Global rankings increasingly evidence the need for Pakistan to prioritize pro-poor growth that ensures the wellbring of its most marginalized. The country has the lowest HDI rankings for per capita income, health, and education in South Asia. Even Bangladesh and Nepal, two of the least developed countries in the region, have better rankings. Pakistan’s expenditure on defense is higher than the combined expenditure on health and education.”
    The note ended with the movement demanding that the government introduce economic policies that prioritized the well being of the working class and poor of Pakistan:
    “We demand decent work and living wages for all residents, including regularization of temporary work and the expansion of social protection coverage. Secondly, IMF-driven policies that benefit polices that benefit global capitalism at the expense of all the poor and marginalized should be stopped. Finally, we demand rollback of budget cuts in public institutions, the reinstallment of HEC scholarships, and the implementation of survivor-centric welfare systemsn as well as quality education and healthcare for all.”

    Read their complete statement here:

  • ‘Can we talk my Lord?’; Saqib Nisar denies, then confirms Khan contacted him

    ‘Can we talk my Lord?’; Saqib Nisar denies, then confirms Khan contacted him

    Former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar has given contradictory statements about communicating with former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    Nisar told journalist and anchorperson Adil Shahzeb of Dawn News that he had had no contact with Khan. However, he agreed that he had been in touch with former spymaster General (retd) Faiz Hameed.

    Adil Shahzeb, while speaking on Geo News program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, said that he talked to Nisar at 10AM on March 6 and the ex-CJP asked if he would lobby for Imran Khan as if his character was any less than the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief. “Are my capabilities and intelligence levels any less than Imran Khan’s that I would lobby for him?” Saqib Nisar was quoted as saying by the journalist.

    It was shocking for me, Adil said on the show.

    However, while talking to journalist Zahid Gishkori of Samma News, the former CJP confirmed that he had, in fact, spoken to Imran Khan.

    Gishkori tweeted the supposed conversation between Nisar and Khan.

    “Can we talk my Lord? Which time is convenient to talk?” read Khan’s text sent to Nisar some two weeks ago, as per Gishkori. It was 8PM when Justice Saqib Nisar responded, “You’re welcome.” 

    Gishkori while speaking on Shahzeb Khanzada’s show, said that Khan asked for Nisar’s help in the court cases filed against him, to which the former CJP responded: “I can’t help you”.

    “It is a difficult time for me,” Khan reportedly said, at which the ex-CJP reiterated that he wouldn’t be able to help the PTI chief out. 

    “I advised him that you are a former Premier and are targeting institutions and that he shouldn’t weaken institutions with unnecessary criticism,” the former CJP was quoted as saying by Gishkori.  

    The CJP also reportedly warned Khan about trouble if he continued with his ways.

  • Another IMF condition met as Pakistan imposes 25% sales tax on luxury items

    On Tuesday, the federal cabinet led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the imposition of a 25 per cent sales tax on luxury items, fulfilling a condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the revival of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) that had been stalled for months.

    The cabinet approved the 25 per cent general sales tax (GST) on luxury items through a circulation summary. The Federal Board of Revenue will issue a formal notification in the coming days, and the new rate will be applicable from March 1.

    The list of items subject to the 25 per cent GST includes aerated water and juices, imported cars, mobile phones, pet food, sanitary and bathroom wares, carpets (excluding Afghanistan), chandeliers and lighting devices or equipment, chocolates, cigarettes, confectionery items, corn flakes, cosmetics, shaving items, tissue papers, crockery, decorative devices, doors and window frames, fish, footwear, fruits and dry fruits, furniture, home appliances (CBU), luxury leather jackets and apparel, mattress and sleeping bags, frozen or processed meat, musical instruments, arms and ammunition, shampoos, sunglasses, tomato ketchup and sauces, and travel bags and suitcases.

    The federal government also imposed a 25 per cent GST rate on locally manufactured luxury vehicles of 1,400cc and above. The FBR has estimated that it will collect an additional Rs15 billion in taxes through the enhanced GST rate of 25 per cent in the four-month period.

    According to sources, Pakistan and IMF held virtual negotiations on Monday to revive the loan program that had been stalled for months. During the meeting, the lender expressed satisfaction with the country’s measures, while Pakistan insisted on early finalization of the staff-level agreement.

    The negotiations were moving positively as the Fund did not place any new demands during the virtual session. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) informed IMF representatives about the estimated collection of foreign exchange reserves of $10 billion until June, and sources claimed that Pakistan had achieved future targets before the staff-level agreement.

    It is worth mentioning that the government has expedited the implementation of IMF demands to unlock the loan tranche for the country’s economic recovery.

  • ‘Character assassination’; Nawazuddin Siddiqui slams wife’s allegations

    ‘Character assassination’; Nawazuddin Siddiqui slams wife’s allegations

    Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Sidiqqui has addressed his wife Aaliya’s allegations of the star evicting her out of her house and refusing to grant her custody of her children. She had recorded a video and posted it on Instagram, saying that she and her children were thrown out of the house in the middle of the night.

    In a statement posted from his twitter account, Siddiqui revealed that his children were being held hostage by their mother, Aliya, and had not been sent to school for the last 45 days.
    “Does any one know why my kids are in India and not attending schools for 45 days, wherein the school is sending me letters everyday that it’s been too long an absence. My kids have been made hostage for the past 45 days and are missing their schooling in Dubai,” he wrote.

    Siddiqui further went on to address the Aliya’s allegation he had refused to pay child support, and criticized her for blackmailing him for more money in the past.

    “She had abandoned the kids in Dubai for the last four months before calling them here on the pretext for demanding money. On average, she is being paid approx 10 lakhs per month for the past two years and 5 to 7 lakhs per month before moving to Dubai with my children, excluding the school fees, medical, travel and other leisure activities. I have also financed her three films costing me crores of rupees, just to help her set up her income stream since she is the mother of my kids. She was given luxurious cars for my kids, but she sold them and spent the money on herself. I have also bought a lavish sea-facing apartment in Versova, Mumbai for my children. Aaliya was made the co-owner of the said apartment as my kids are small. I have given my children a rented apartment in Dubai, where she was also living comfortably. She only wants more money and hence has filed numerous cases against me and my mother. It’s her routine, she has done the same in the past too and withdraws the case when paid as per her demand.”

    Siddiqui also replied to claims of child abandonment:

    “Whenever my children came to India during their vacation, they used to stay with their grandmother only. How could anyone throw them out of the house? I myself was not in the house during that time. Why didn’t she make a video of being thrown out, whereas she makes a video of every random thing? She has dragged the kids into this drama and she is doing all this to simply blackmail me, malign my reputation, her intent to spoil my career and fulfill her illegitimate demands.”

    Siddiqui concluded the note by stating that he loved his two children, and would go to any length in order to secure their well-being and safety:

    “Any parent on this planet will never want their kids to miss out on their studies or hamper their future, they will always try to give their best of the best possible things. Whatever I am earning today is all for both of my kids and no person can change this. I love Shora and Yani and I will go to any extent to secure their well-being and their future. I have won all the cases so far and will continue to place my faith in the judiciary. Love is not to hold one back, but to let one fly in the right direction.”

    Read his full statement here:

    Last week Aliya had accused Siddiqui of abandonment when she uploaded a video on Instagram of her and their two children in the streets, and revealed that they had been left on the road by their own father without any financial expenses or a place to go.

    “This is the truth of Nawazuddin Siddiqui,” she had written. “Who did not even spare his own innocent children..when after being in the house for 40 days I stepped out as office bearers at Versova police station called me urgently..but when I went back to the house with my children Nawazuddin siddiqui had deputed a number of guards to not let us in.. me and my children were bruetly left by this man to be on the road.. my daughter could not believe that her own father can do this to her and was howling and crying on the road.”

  • Saudi prince aims to create over 1,000 jobs with $100 million tech house investment in Pakistan

    Saudi prince aims to create over 1,000 jobs with $100 million tech house investment in Pakistan

    A Saudi tech company owned by Prince Fahad bin Mansour Al-Saud has announced the launch of a Saudi-Pakistan Tech House in Islamabad on Monday.

    The initiative was first announced by the prince in January at Pakistan’s largest tech event, Future Fest 2023, and aims to forge partnerships with information technology (IT) companies and enterprises in Pakistan to promote greater ease of doing business between the two countries.

    Prince Fahad is the co-founder of ILSA Interactive, which was established in 2009 by Pakistani entrepreneur Salman Nasir with offices in Riyadh and Lahore, reflecting the determination of both Pakistani and Saudi leaders to deepen an existing strategic relationship in all fields.

    The company plans to forge partnerships with IT companies, universities, and large enterprises in Pakistan. The launch ceremony took place on Monday, March 6, and Prince Fahad intends to create more than 1,000 jobs and undertake 300 projects valued at $100 million in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

    Future Fest 2023 saw leading entrepreneurs, startups, policymakers, and investors from around the world participate, and a delegation of Saudi business leaders attended the event, taking part in keynote addresses, roundtable conferences, and discussions on various topics related to the future of business and startups.

  • iPhone 15 to feature A17 chip and rounded design, but with limited USB-C compatibility: Leaks

    iPhone 15 to feature A17 chip and rounded design, but with limited USB-C compatibility: Leaks

    An insider source known as ShrimpApplePro has revealed some information about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 models. The new phones will feature a faster performance, a more rounded design, and a higher price point. However, the most requested feature – USB-C compatibility – will come with a disappointing catch.

    Apple will be locking down the USB-C port on all iPhone 15 models, a move that contradicts their previous actions of introducing USB-C to iPads and MacBooks without limitations.

    USB-C is an open standard, and this news will be a surprise and disappointment to many Apple fans and industry experts. Apple’s official licensing program for accessories, MFi, requires manufacturers to comply with Apple’s standards by installing an authenticator chip on ports. This can limit or disable the accessory completely, and unlicensed accessories are often less expensive than those with MFi certification.

    Many people believe that profit is the primary reason why iPhones have not switched to USB-C. Despite an EU clampdown on proprietary ports, it seems that Apple has decided to manipulate the standard, which is a setback. USB-C would allow iPhones to have faster charging and data transfer speeds, and leaks suggest that iPhone 15 Pro models will deliver over 40x faster performance. However, it seems that these benefits will only be available through MFi-approved accessories, which is not ideal for those who already have a drawer full of USB-C cables.

    Foxconn has already started producing MFi-licensed accessories, including Apple’s own EarPods and cables, according to ShrimpApplePro. While iPhone enthusiasts may not view this news as a dealbreaker, it is likely not the way industry experts and EU lawmakers expected USB-C to be implemented by the world’s largest smartphone maker.

    Apple’s iPhone 15 range is expected to launch in September with a higher price point, a more rounded design, new chassis materials and colors, solid-state buttons, next-gen WiFi, and a 3nm A17 chipset.

  • Have evidence against Faiz Hameed, claims Maryam Nawaz

    Have evidence against Faiz Hameed, claims Maryam Nawaz

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz, in an interview with Naya Pakistan, has claimed that she has evidence against the former Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed.

    Maryam Nawaz said that she had been talking against Hameed even when he was the sitting DG ISI. “I submitted an application to the court with evidence when he was the DG ISI.”

    “Imran Khan said the Jail Bharo Tehreek was successful, but I have not seen such a failed movement in history,” she said, adding that the PTI chief had plastered his leg for fear of going to jail.

    She reiterated that the “traces” that Lt Gen (retd) Hameed left behind can still be found in the institution, which are supporting Khan till date citing that as the reason he doesn’t go to jail.

    She claimed that fake cases were registered against her father, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. Maryam Nawaz also said that party members used to get arrested at the start of proceedings.