Author: newsdesk

  • US Congressman expresses concern over the flood crisis in Pakistan

    US Congressman expresses concern over the flood crisis in Pakistan

    United States (US) Congressman Gregory W. Meeks has expressed sympathies and offered condolences over the loss of hundreds of lives due to the catastrophic situation of floods in Pakistan.

    Meeks, who is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, held a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Masood Khan.

    During the meeting, Khan thanked Chairman Meeks for expressing solidarity with the flood victims, saying that the country is trying to deal with this natural catastrophe, reports Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

    Khan also thanked the US for its financial assistance for the Pakistani flood victims and relief activities.

    Earlier, US Secretary Antony Blinken had announced $1 million to build resilience against natural disasters in addition to $100,000 in immediate relief for the flood victims of Pakistan.

    Meeks visited Pakistan in 2020. During the visit, he met Pakistani parliamentary and government leaders and members of civil society.

    On Thursday, the Pakistani government declared the ongoing flood situation in the country a “national emergency”. 

    At least 937 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

    According to the data issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 234 people have lost their lives to rain and flood-related incidents in Balochistan and 306 people have lost their lives in Sindh. 165 people have lost their lives in Punjab and 185 have lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

  • Asia Cup 2022: Hasan Ali to replace Wasim Jr

    Asia Cup 2022: Hasan Ali to replace Wasim Jr

    The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Friday that fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2022 due to a side strain. “He had picked up the injury while bowling in Pakistan’s practice session on Wednesday. The bowler was assessed by the team medical staff, and MRI scan in Dubai confirmed the diagnosis,” said the PCB.

    The findings were discussed with PCB Medical Advisory Committee. The medical team will closely monitor Wasim and his return to competitive cricket will be reassessed before series against England.

    Hasan Ali has been named as Wasim’s replacement

    Hasan will depart for the UAE after an approval by the Event Technical Committee (ETC).

    Pakistan will be playing against India on August 28 (Sunday). Losing another pacer would be a huge blow for Pakistan.

    Earlier this month, Shaheen Shah Afridi had been ruled out of the Asia Cup because of a knee injury. He was replaced with Mohammad Hasnain.

    Read more: Mohammad Hasnain to replace Shaheen Shah Afridi in Asia Cup 2022

    Shaheen Shah Afridi is still part of Pakistan cricket team’s travelling squad and is currently undergoing on-tour rehabilitation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a video yesterday in which Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli, met Shaheen Shah Afridi and inquired about his health.

  • No voice and data services in several flood-affected areas

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced that voice and data services have been disrupted in several flood-affected areas.

    “Due to torrential rains & flash floods in Balochistan and damage to optical fibre cable, voice and data services have been impacted in Quetta, Ziarat, Khuzdar, Loralai, Pashin, Chaman, Panjgor, Zhob, Qila Saifullah and Qila Abdullah,” PTA said in a tweet on Friday (August 26).

    “Efforts are being made to resolve this unprecedented situation. PTA is monitoring the situation and further updates will be shared,” it added.

    Read more- Pakistan officially declares the flood situation a ‘national emergency’

    At least 937 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. According to the data issued by the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA), 234 people have lost their lives to rain and flood-related incidents in Balochistan and 306 people have lost their lives in Sindh. 165 people have lost their lives in Punjab and 185 have lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

  • ‘Threatened govt officials’: FIR registered against Rana Sanaullah for spreading terror

    A case was registered by the Punjab police against Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Thursday on charges of terrorism under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). A complainant named Sheikh Aslam registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Industrial Estate police station of Gujrat.

    In the FIR, Aslam stated that Rana Sanaullah appeared on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’ on August 21. During the show, Aslam said that the anchor [Shahzad Iqbal] ran some old clips and statements of Sanaullah that were aired on different TV channels on April 16, 2021 and January 29, 2022, respectively.

    In the clips, the minister had threatened the judiciary, the Punjab chief secretary, commissioner, other government officials and their children with dire consequences. Moreover, the FIR stated that Sanaullah threatened to kill government officials’ children and said they wouldn’t get any help from the judiciary.

    “Rana Sanaullah’s statement was to terrorise the judiciary, chief secretary and other government officials so they can’t do their job and fulfil their legal responsibilities”, added the FIR.

    The development was confirmed by Punjab Home Minister Hashim Dogar. In a tweet, the home minister said that the charges levelled in the FIR are serious and action would be taken in accordance with the law.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Moonis Elahi also shared a copy of the FIR: “You [Sanaullah] make false cases against Imran Khan, now the Pakistani nation has registered a true case against you.”

    An official source told Dawn that the complainant was “wanted” by the Islamabad Police in some cases lodged with Kohsar and Aabpara police stations. The police had already issued him notices and they have initiated the process to declare him a proclaimed offender.

     

  • iPhone 13 buyers will now pay Rs132,000 for PTA approval

    iPhone 13 buyers will now pay Rs132,000 for PTA approval

    The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has made it nearly impossible for Apple fans to get iPhones in the country by significantly raising the tax on the overall iPhone 13 series.

    It is worth noting that the PTA approval costs for the iPhone 13 have been raised at a time when the iPhone 14 is likely to be released at the beginning of next month. However, it is unclear what prices the PTA will set for the approval of newer iPhones.

    The following are the latest PTA approval rates for the iPhone 13 lineup:

    Apple iPhone 13 Mini

    Tax Payable:

    Rs108,000 for passport holders

    Rs132,000 for CNIC holders

    Apple iPhone 13

    Tax Payable: 

    Rs108,000 for passport holders

    Rs132,000 for CNIC holders

    Apple iPhone 13 Pro

    Tax Payable: 

    Rs108,000 for passport holders

    Rs132,000 for CNIC holders.

    Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

    Tax Payable: 

    Rs108,000 for passport holders

    Rs132,000 for CNIC holders

    Read more: 12 important things you need to know before buying a used iPhone

    These taxes must be paid within 30 days after importation if the phone is registered on a passport, and within 60 days if it is registered on the national identity card.

  • Video: Indian players meet Shaheen Shah Afridi, inquire about his health

    Video: Indian players meet Shaheen Shah Afridi, inquire about his health

    Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli, met Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and inquired about his health.

    In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Indian players were seen shaking hands with Afridi and inquiring about his knee injury.

    “Yaar mein soch raha hoon aapki tarhaan bas batting shuru kar doon, aik haath se chakkay lagaaoon,” [I am thinking of becoming a batter like you, start hitting sixes with a single hand),” said Shaheen to Rishabh Pant.

    “Kyun bowling mein ziada effort lagti hai? Fast bowler ho to effort lagaana parega sir, compulsory hai,” [Why? Because there’s more effort in bowling? If you’re a fast bowler, you have to put in an effort. It’s compulsory], responded Pant to Shaheen Afridi.

    While having a conversation with Virat Kohli, Shaheen Shah Afridi said, “Aap ke liye dua kar rahe hain aap form mein ayein, dekhna chaahte hain aap ko,” [We are praying for you, we want to see you back in form].

    Read more- VIDEO: Babar Azam meets Virat Kohli in Dubai ahead of Pak Vs India clash

    Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video in which Virat Kohli could be seen meeting Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.

    In the video, Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal were also chatting with Muhammad Nabi.

    Read more- Pakistan or India: Shane Watson predicts who will win Asia Cup 2022

    There will be eight teams in two groups competing against one another in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022. The most awaited match between Pakistan and India will take place on August 28 (Sunday).

  • Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic to miss US Open

    Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic to miss US Open

    Tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he will not be able to attend the US Open in New York City due to his unwillingness to take the COVID-19 vaccination.

    The twenty-one time Grand Slam champion Djokovic stated on Thursday that he will remain in “good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again.”

    The final Grand Slam will begin next week.

    “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support,” Djokovic wrote on Twitter.

    Although the US has relaxed COVID-19 regulations on a domestic level, visitors who are not US citizens or permanent residents must still be completely vaccinated before boarding a flight into the nation. In June, the United States eliminated testing requirements for overseas travellers.

    Djokovic competed at the US Open last year, reaching the men’s singles final. The virus was deemed a bigger public health danger at the time, although the US simply required testing rather than vaccination for entrance at the time.

    Djokovic sparked outrage earlier this year when his visa was revoked shortly after arriving in Melbourne to participate in the Australian Open. He already clarified that he will not take the COVID-19 vaccination, even if it meant missing out on some matches.

  • Pakistan officially declares flood situation a ‘national emergency’

    Pakistan officially declares flood situation a ‘national emergency’

    The government on Thursday officially declared the ongoing flood situation in the country a “national emergency”. Minister of Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the time has arrived to show “national spirit” in the face of the tremendous calamities in Sindh and Balochistan.

    At least 937 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. According to the data issued by the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA), 234 people have lost their lives to rain and flood-related incidents in Balochistan and 306 people have lost their lives in Sindh.
    165 people have lost their lives in Punjab and 185 have lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal said that 55 lakh households were affected, while more than three crore people became homeless due to the devastating floods and rains across Pakistan. He was speaking on the Dawn News programme, ‘Live with Adil Shahzeb’.

    You can help the flood victims by donating to the following government and private organisations.

  • Twitter reacts to PM asking athletes to aim for ‘platinum medals’

    Twitter reacts to PM asking athletes to aim for ‘platinum medals’

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met with athletes who won medals for the country in the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 and the Islamic Solidarity Games.

    The ceremony took place at the PM House in Islamabad, where athletes were awarded cash prizes.

    Medalist athletes including Altaf-ur-Rehman, Nooh But, and Arshad Nadeem also attended the ceremony.

    “I hope the athletes who won bronze [medal] will receive silver or gold medals in the future, and the athletes who won gold medals will receive platinum medals,” PM stated at the occasion.

    Since no platinum medals are awarded at the Commonwealth and Islamic Solidarity Games, the PM’s remarks have sparked a meme frenzy on Twitter.

    Here are some of the tweets:

    https://twitter.com/rizviregee/status/1562823249196527616?s=21&t=Wq7tQQKG4TBOOjU4zidelw

    PM’s tweet:

    “Honoured to host our players & athletes who made the country proud by winning various medals in the Commonwealth Games.  Their hard work and devotion were exemplary. Today I also announced the revival of departmental sports, which was a long-standing demand,” the PM wrote in a tweet.

    Ban on departmental sports lifted

    The PM has also lifted the ban on departmental sports. “The ban was imposed by the previous government, asking all public departments, corporations, and autonomous bodies to stop their funding of sports teams in 30 different disciplines,” the tweet from the Prime Minister’s office read.

    “The decision has led thousands to be jobless from the positions of departmental sports. “After taking office, PM pledged to restore departmental sports with the goal of promoting healthy games among the youth,” it added.

    https://twitter.com/PMO_PK/status/1562789257756155905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1562789257756155905%7Ctwgr%5E9efbbc4b5877cecaf9cfb88529c710c5868603db%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthecurrent.pk%2F%3Fp%3D194013
  • Hania Aamir opens up on comparisons with Fawad-Mahira’s iconic pair

    Hania Aamir opens up on comparisons with Fawad-Mahira’s iconic pair

    Actor Hania Aamir, who is currently riding high on the success of her latest blockbuster drama, Mere Hamsafar, has opened up on comparisons of her and co-star Farhan Saeed’s pairing with Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s chemistry from Humsafar.

    Mere Humsafar is special because of the performances: Farhan Saeed

    Mahira and Fawad’s pairing as Khirad and Ashar from Sarmad Khoosat’s Humsafar has been hailed as the best on Pakistani television in the last two decades. The two will be seen together in two major feature films this year, Neelofar and The Legend Of Maula Jatt.

    Fawad and Mahira Khan ready to fire up the entertainment industry once again - Global Village Space

    During another interview with Something Haute, the Sang e Mah diva stated that she was a person who never put herself first, and let the backlash on social media and controversies get the best of her.

    The Titli star said “when new actors enter the industry, they are not really trained for fame or how to handle it, and so people learn via trial and error.”

    Hania advised the viewers not to put their relationships on media because if things do not work out, it is nearly impossible to clarify about what went wrong. She said even people from the industry start weighing in on your life.

    Actress Sadia Faisal reacted to Aamir’s post by saying that celebrities these days even post about when they’re using the loo.

    Earlier this year after Hania’s dancing video from Asim Azhar’s concert went viral, the Jo Tu Na Mila singer made an indirect jibe at Hania with a cryptic post.

    The post didn’t go unnoticed by the young actress as she was quick to respond to it without even mentioning any names.