Author: newsdesk

  • Srha Asghar, Umer Murtaza announce pregnancy, share happy dance video

    Srha Asghar, Umer Murtaza announce pregnancy, share happy dance video

    Television actor Srha Asghar and her husband Umer Murtaza have announced the news of the Pyaar Ke Sadqay star’s pregnancy on their Instagram handles.

    The couple has shared an adorable video in which they have announced their pregnancy, with a happy dance. Srha captioned the post as, “Our Family is growing by 2 feet and 1 heart…loading Dec 2022 ♥️”

    Srha Asghar & Husband Annouce Pregnancy News
    Srha Asghar & Husband Annouce Pregnancy News

    Actor Zuhab Khan congratulated the couple on their special announcement.

    Srha Asghar & Husband Annouce Pregnancy News

    The couple tied the knot two years back in elegant attires. They looked evidently happy on their special day.

    As for her mayun ceremony, she oozed radiance in a green dress.

  • Kya log waqai mehngai se tang aa kar apna sona baich rahay hain?

    Kya log waqai mehngai se tang aa kar apna sona baich rahay hain?

    From meeting hospitalisation expenses to paying hefty electricity bills, Pakistanis are increasingly selling their gold jewellery to tide over inflation in Pakistan.

    This trend has been fueled by mounting expenses, such as expensive food products, rising petroleum prices, education fees, medical expenses, and house rents, in the face of low income. According to multiple sources in the jewellers’ association, there has been an upsurge in the number of people selling off gold as compared to buyers, in recent months.

    Several social media posts indicated that people were compelled to sell their gold in order to pay for their electricity bills after the government imposed hefty Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) charges in monthly electricity bills.

    The FCA was added to the electricity bills for the month of August, drawing protests from citizens who demanded the government immediately withdraw the FCA as it was an injustice to the consumers and they did not have the capacity to pay outrageous electricity bills.

    The Current contacted several jewellers in Lahore to uncover whether people were actually selling gold to pay their electricity bills.

    According to the owner of a renowned gold shop in Liberty Lahore, when inflation is high, people’s only alternative is to sell any gold they may have. “There are undoubtedly more sellers because gold prices have reached an all-time high at this time. Comparatively, there are noticeably more sellers than purchasers. Another reason for selling gold is to combat inflation.”

    When asked if locals were really selling gold to pay their power bills, the goldsmith responded, “People sell gold for many different purposes outside merely paying their electricity bills. A lot of people sell their gold in order to invest in more lucrative assets, this may not necessarily be about bills. A number of individuals sell gold in order to invest in real estate or build their own houses.”

    Owing to overall inflation, gold prices had hit an all-time high, but since last week, they have been steadily declining. The latest drop in gold prices also prompted people to sell their gold as it was the ideal time to get the best price and acquire other assets, as they could later buy gold at a lower price after its price is stabilised.

    The majority of gold jewellers in the vicinity of Lahore’s posh area asserted that this unquestionably occurs at a time when the country’s economy is unstable and consumers are left with no choice but to sell the assets they have been saving for years to utilise in crises.

    Another jewellery store owner in Lahore’s less well-off area admitted that “This happens,” but added that “Not everyone is willing to discuss their personal and financial concerns or reveal causes why they are selling gold and what they need money for. People visit our shops for reasons other than just paying their electricity bills, such as emergencies or the urgent need for cash to cover healthcare expenses.”

    Investors frequently turn to gold as a safe haven when the economy is struggling or when there are conflicts on an international scale. For investors looking for a safe investment with a proven track record of profitability, gold appears to be an attractive alternative in light of rising inflation and the stock market trading far below its highs.

  • Prince Mohammed Bin Salman named as Saudi Prime Minister

    Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was named the country’s prime minister on Tuesday. The development came after a cabinet reshuffle ordered by King Salman.
    “HRH the crown prince, based on the king’s orders, alre

    ady supervises the main executive bodies of the state on a daily basis, and his new role as prime minister is within that context,” said an official while talking with Reuters.

    As prime minister, Prince Salman will lead the council of ministers. Prince Khalid bin Salman will become Defense Minister amidst a cabinet reshuffle.

    Prince Mohammed, who turned 37 last month, has been first in line to succeed his father as king since 2017.

    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has congratulated Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his appointment as the Kingdom’s Prime Minister.

    “I congratulate my brother, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, on his appointment as the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, wishing him success, and the Kingdom greater progress under the wise leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a tweet.

    The newly designated Prime Minister is expected to visit Pakistan in November this year.

    COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa has congratulated Mohammed Bin Salman on his appointment.

  • Has Shakira been sentenced to eight years in prison?

    Has Shakira been sentenced to eight years in prison?

    Grammy-winning singer Shakira is expected to face trial in Spain for alleged tax fraud against the Public Treasury of Spain, according to a resolution published on Tuesday.

    A judge in Barcelona ordered the case to move forward to trial, but a start date has not yet been set. Spanish prosecutors allege Shakira failed to pay personal income and wealth tax between 2012-2014, currently valued in the amount of about $15.8 million, which she has denied.

    Did Shakira write a song about Gerard Pique? Pop star hints at meaning behind 'Te Felicito' lyrics | Goal.com

    Shakira called her accusations “false” in an interview with Elle magazine earlier this month, stating “I paid everything they said I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. So as of today, I owe zero to them.”

    Spanish authorities allege she lived in Spain for over 183 days annually between 2011 and 2014, but Shakira denied that in her interview with Elle. Her attorneys have stated her primary residence during that time was in the Bahamas.

    “Shakira and her team consider that this case constitutes a total violation of her rights since she has always shown impeccable behavior, as a person and taxpayer, and a total willingness to resolve any disagreement from the beginning, even before the criminal process,” a spokesperson for Shakira said in a statement in July after agreement on a settlement in the case could not be reached.

    Prosecutors are seeking an eight-year prison sentence, plus fines if she is convicted.

    The veteran crooner and her former partner, Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, parted ways earlier this year. The duo announced this on social media.

    “We regret to confirm that we are separating,” the two said in a statement released by Shakira’s public relations firm. “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”

    Shakira, 45, met the Barcelona defender while she was promoting her 2010 World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” The couple has two children, Sasha and Milan.

    Shakira and Pique

    In recent days, rumors of the demise of the couple’s 12-year relationship gripped Spanish media, fueled by reports that Piqué, 35, had left the family’s home in Barcelona and was living by himself in the city.

    While Shakira is one of the world’s premier musical artists for her songs and live performances, Piqué is one of European soccer’s top defenders. For a decade, the two were portrayed as two halves of a happy partnership that allowed both to continue thriving as extremely popular entertainers.

    The Hips Don’t Lie singer is facing a trial over alleged tax fraud charges in Spain after she lost an appeal on May 26. Prosecutors claim she failed to pay up to 14.5 million euros ($15.54 million) in tax on income earned between 2012 and 2014.

    Her legal team said in a statement they will keep defending her case with solid legal arguments.

    “Shakira’s conduct on tax matters has always been impeccable in all the countries she had to pay taxes and she has trusted and followed faithfully the recommendations of the best specialists and advisers,” the statement said.

  • ‘Agar PM house ko secure karna hai, toh mobile phones ko band karna hoga’: Khurram Dastgir

    ‘Agar PM house ko secure karna hai, toh mobile phones ko band karna hoga’: Khurram Dastgir

    Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan has said that “Agar PM house ko secure karna hai, toh mobile phones ko band karna hoga.” (If one wants to secure the Prime Minister’s (PM) house, the use of mobile phones should not be permitted within the premises.)

    The minister’s remarks came after several audio leaks allegedly of PM Shehbaz Sharif have surfaced on the internet.

    Dastagir was of the view that “These security necessities are important as high-level talks take place at the PM office”, adding that that’s why “we need to secure it”.

    About his fellow party member Senator Ishaq Dar, Dastgir said, “Dar has remained finance minister twice in emergency situations. We hope that nation will benefit from his vast experience.”

    Dar took oath as a senator today (Tuesday) and will take over the finance ministry tomorrow.

    After the audio leaks surfaced online, the federal government constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the data hack.

    An investigation has been initiated to probe the leak from the PM House, with one member each in the JIT to be included from the country’s intelligence agencies.

    The premier also called a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Wednesday, September 27, to discuss the matter.

    On Saturday, September 24, alleged audios of PM Shehbaz and other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, including some federal ministers and Vice-President PML-N Maryam Nawaz, appeared online.

  • Musician ‘Iranian sisters’ sing Bella Ciao in solidarity with Masha Amini

    Musician ‘Iranian sisters’ sing Bella Ciao in solidarity with Masha Amini

    Two Iranian sisters have sung a Persian version of revolutionary Italian folk song “Bella Ciao” in response to Mahsa Amini’s death in Iran.

    The two Iranian sisters, Samin and Behin Bolouri, recorded the Persian version of Bella Ciao and uploaded it on Instagram.

    The translated version of the caption read: “We are not awake until tomorrow.”

    The video has garnered over five million views.

    Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman breathed her last days after being arrested by a police unit responsible for forcing Iran’s strict dress code for women. She was taken into custody for not complying with hijab rules.

    Mahsa Amini was beaten while inside a police van when she was picked up in Tehran on Tuesday. Photographs of Mahsa lying in a hospital bed have gone viral, showing the young woman in a coma with her head wrapped in bandages and breathing through tubes.

    #MahsaAmini became one of the top hashtags on Persian-language Twitter as Iranians fumed over the death of Amini. Later, women in Iran protested against the death of Amini by setting their hijabs on fire. Her death has sparked widespread protests in Iran.

    At least 70 people have died in protests and over 1,200 have been arrested following Amini’s death.

  • ‘Ishaq Dar ki kaampein taangny lagi’: Imran Khan taunts the new senator

    ‘Ishaq Dar ki kaampein taangny lagi’: Imran Khan taunts the new senator

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan took a jibe at former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar who came back to Pakistan on Monday, took oath as Senator on Tuesday and is set to take over the ministry of finance on Wednesday.

    The PML-N leader has come back to Pakistan after living for five years in self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom (UK).

    While speaking at the Ulema and Mashaikh Convention in Peshawar, Khan said, “In 2017, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) asked Dar that how has he become a billionaire as his father was a hardworking man and used to sell bicycles.”

    “At the time, Ishaq Dar Ishaq Dar ki kaampein taangny lagi (Shivers are legs) and he flew out of the country on Prime Minister’s jet”, Khan said.

    During the address, Khan claimed that Dar is back so that corruption cases get resolved. He alleged that Dar had made a deal under National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) before returning to Pakistan.

    “It is unfortunate that the justice system could not stop Ishaq Dar,” he added. “A fugitive, after stealing billions of rupees, was roaming freely abroad and was taking decisions for Pakistan.”

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, September 27, took oath as a senator.

    Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjarani administered the oath amid ruckus created by the opposition.

    Dar touched down in Pakistan with PM Shehbaz Sharif on the night of September 26. He will be sworn in as the federal finance minister tomorrow (September 28) at 10am.

  • ‘Kya Imran Khan ne hum se poocha jab army chief ko extension deni thi?’ Shehbaz lambasts Khan

    ‘Kya Imran Khan ne hum se poocha jab army chief ko extension deni thi?’ Shehbaz lambasts Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, September 27, stressed that the appointment of the new army chief will be through “law and constitution” and that “everyone is going to follow it”.

    “They want to bring their own army chief… they are afraid that if a strong and patriotic army chief is appointed then he would ask them about the looted wealth,” the PTI chief had said about the government at a rally in Faisalabad earlier this month.

    Imran had also called out the incumbent government for consulting an “absconder” and “convict” — former Prime Minister and PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif — for the crucial decision, claiming that it was against the Constitution.

    At the press conference today, Shehbaz asked, “Did Imran Khan consult us before giving an extension to the army chief?”

    He also said that he didn’t see anything wrong in consulting Nawaz. “What’s the point of criticising my talks with Nawaz? He is my leader and I discussed Pakistan’s issues with him,” he asserted.

    The premier termed the audio leaks between key figures in the coalition government a “very serious lapse” as he announced that a high-level committee would be constituted to probe the matter.

    Shehbaz said the “audio leaks” scandal was a critical matter and he was in the process of forming a high-level committee to probe into it.

    “Who is going to visit the Pakistani prime minister from overseas now?” the PM questioned. “This scandal has put the prestige of a 220 million-strong nation at stake.”

    “I am taking notice of this and a committee will be formed and reach the depth of this matter,” PM Shehbaz said.

    Audio recordings of conversations between key government figures — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and some members of the federal cabinet — discussing governance matters privately surfaced over the weekend, prompting concerns over the security of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

    Sharif said that previously several audios relating to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan were leaked but no questions were raised on that. “Have you heard the conversation about diamonds? About the piece of land that was given to them as a gift? You don’t talk about it but you are discussing this matter,” said the PM.

    “Imran Niazi brutally used his force to target opponents,” he reminded the media.

    “He called [ex-FIA DG] Bashir Memon to his office and asked him to file cases against his rivals. This is on record. Did I amend the policy, there is no question about it. You must do justice. I will apologise to the nation if I did something wrong.”

    “Imran also sold Toshakhana gifts, why aren’t those audios being leaked. The audios on the increase in sugar prices should surface […] this is a billion-rupee scam.”

    “Imran said he will form a commission. Was anyone caught, was anyone punished? Billions of dollars from Pakistan were wasted,” the prime minister pointed out, claiming that Imran’s “corruption is a long saga”.

    Shehbaz said that Imran did not spare any opportunity of “Dividing the army and institutions”, highlighting that the PTI chief was creating polarisation which could take the country towards destruction.

    “This is an alarm bell. This man is a risk to the country,” he concluded.

  • Timeline of audio leaks: When and whose conversations were tapped?

    Timeline of audio leaks: When and whose conversations were tapped?

    Alarm bells have been ringing across Islamabad after leaked audio clips called into question the security of the Prime Minister (PM) House. A total of six audio clips of private conversations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders leaked over the last few days.

    The audio leaks contain telephonic and in-person conversations between the PM and the other leaders including federal ministers. The government has maintained that there is “nothing illegal” in the audio leaks.

    Here is a timeline of audio leaks:

    1- ‘Health card khatam ho jana chahiye’: Maryam Nawaz

    The audio leak allegedly belonging to PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz and PM Shehbaz has leaked today (September 27).

    In the new audio leak, Maryam Nawaz is allegedly insisting that PM Shehbaz should shutdown the health insurance scheme (Sehat Card) initiated by the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    Maryam can allegedly be heard saying that PTI Chief Imran Khan has achieved nothing but the health card program. To this, PM Shehbaz allegedly responded that it would not be a big problem.

    2- Discussion regarding PTI’s MNAs resignations

    The second clip allegedly concerns a conversation between PM Shehbaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Tarar, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and former National Assembly (NA) speaker Ayaz Sadiq about the resignations of PTI MNAs. The audio is said to be a recording of a cabinet meeting.

    Party leaders can be allegedly heard discussing whose resignations from PTI will be accepted. Moreover, the leaders can be heard saying that the final decision will be taken by PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif who is in London.

    At one point, Ayaz Sadiq can be heard saying that “Will tell them that the signatures were not correct,” allegedly talking about those PTI members whose resignations they did not want to accept.

    3- ‘Petrol ki qeemtayein bharhana ho gee’: Maryam Nawaz to PM Shehbaz

    In another audio leak, Maryam Nawaz can be heard allegedly advising PM Shehbaz to jack up fuel prices.

    Maryam Nawaz who had been opposing an increase in fuel prices on media in an alleged audio leak can be heard allegedly suggesting to PM Shehbaz Sharif that fuel prices should be raised.

    4- ‘Army has decided to bring Musharraf back to Pakistan’: Maryam Nawaz

    The fourth clip is allegedly a conversation between Maryam Nawaz and the PM where they are discussing the return of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

    A voice said to be Maryam’s can be heard saying that “Army has decided to bring Musharraf back to Pakistan so before it looks like that they have imposed a decision on us, I asked Abu (Nawaz Sharif) to tweet in favor of Musharraf’s return.”

    At the time, Nawaz had tweeted, saying: “I have no personal enmity or animosity towards Pervez Musharraf. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the trauma I have had to endure.”

    5- ‘TV par ulti baatein karta hai’: Maryam Nawaz about Miftah Ismail

    In one of the audio clips, PML-N Vice-president allegedly can be heard complaining to her uncle [PM Shehbaz] about Finance Minister Miftah Ismail. “

    “TV par ulti baatein karta hai” (He says strange things on television), she allegedly says.

    “He doesn’t take responsibility, says strange things on TV which people make fun of, he doesn’t know what he is doing,” the voice said to be Maryam’s says in the clip.

    “He clearly cut corners,” the voice said to be PM Shehbaz can be heard saying as she wishes for the return of former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

    6- ‘Her son-in-law is very dear to her’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Her son-in-law is very dear to her’: PM Shehbaz allegedly says in another audio leak, referring to Maryam Nawaz’s son-in-law.

    In that clip, PM Shehbaz and an unidentified man can be heard allegedly discussing facilitating Maryam Nawaz’s son-in-law Raheel.

    The unidentified man can be heard briefing the person, alleged to be the premier, about the consequences of taking the decision.

    At this, the voice thought to belong to the PM says: “The son-in-law is very dear to Maryam Nawaz. Tell her very logically about this and then I will talk to her.” He also said that he would personally meet him once he returns from Turkey.

    At this, the other person allegedly advises PM Shehbaz to get this work done from former finance minister Ishaq Dar, to which he agrees.

    More audio leaks to come

    A Twitter account named Indishell hinted at more audio leaks, saying that “all audios will be released on September 30”.

    https://twitter.com/Indishellgp/status/1574517518722797569?s=20&t=Vi3nYVzTO8SDFXzdThIolg

    In a series of tweets, the users claimed that the upcoming audios which will be leaked are allegedly a conversation between former finance minister Miftah Ismail and PM Shehbaz. Not only this, the user claimed to have the audio of PM Shehbaz and COAS Bajwa.

    https://twitter.com/Indishellgp/status/1574669828492709889?s=20&t=9Xw_4iI0q3aRJmKOveOS4A
    https://twitter.com/Indishellgp/status/1574536969811415040?s=20&t=9Xw_4iI0q3aRJmKOveOS4A

  • Ishaq Dar aa nahi rahay, aa gaye hain: Dar takes oath as senator

    Ishaq Dar aa nahi rahay, aa gaye hain: Dar takes oath as senator

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, September 27, took oath as a senator after living five years in self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom.

    Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjarani administered the oath amid ruckus created by the opposition. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members tore copies of the agenda of the meeting to register their protest and also surrounded the dais.

    Dar touched down in Pakistan with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on the night of September 26. He will be sworn in as the federal finance minister tomorrow (September 28) at 10am.

    Talking to reporters at the airbase, Dar said: “I will try my best to fulfill all the responsibilities. We will try to take the country out of the economic swamp it is stuck in […] the way we did in 1998-1999 and 2013-2014.”

    President Arif Alvi will administer oath to Dar at Aiwan-e-Sadar. All arrangements for the oath-taking ceremony will be completed by tomorrow morning.

    The incumbent minister, Miftah Ismail, had resigned from his post on Sunday evening.