Author: newsdesk

  • PSX surpasses 43,000-mark as IMF tranche inches closer

    PSX surpasses 43,000-mark as IMF tranche inches closer

    As trading began on Monday, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) resumed its upward trend, rising more than 700 points to cross the 43,000-mark.

    The benchmark KSE-100 index gained 764.25 points, or 1.78 per cent, from its previous finish of 42,857.57.

    PSX – August 15, 2022

    The benchmark KSE-100 index increased by 731.54 points, or 1.71 per cent, by 2:13 pm to reach 43,589.11 points, according to the PSX website.

    Additionally strengthening by Rs1.51, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) ended the day at Rs213.98. Since last week, the local currency has been steadily rising against the US dollar.

    Rupee latest closing -August 15, 2022

    The IMF’s letter of intent and Saudi Arabia’s pledge of more support were among the good developments over the weekend that contributed to the index’s strong start.

    The rupee’s robust rebound and the IMF tranche anticipated at the end of this month can be credited for the upward trend.

  • Elderly woman tied, tortured over land dispute in Okara

    Elderly woman tied, tortured over land dispute in Okara

    Trigger Warning: Violence

    A video of an elderly woman tied with ropes and being tortured is has been widely shared on social media. The incident reportedly took place in Okara on August 9. 

    According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the woman named Muniran Bibi, she was tortured over a land dispute. She was tied with ropes and subjected to torture by Imdad, Nawab, Khalil and Nawaz.

    The accused also tortured the daughter-in-law of the woman when she tried to rescue her.

    The police have registered a case against the accused four days after the incident took place. According to the police, raids are being conducted to arrest the accused.

    Inspector General (IG) Punjab has ordered the Okara police to immediately arrest all the accused.

  • Miftah Ismail commended for his ‘bold and clear’ comments on violence against religious minorities

    Miftah Ismail commended for his ‘bold and clear’ comments on violence against religious minorities

    Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Naya Pakistan”, Finance Minister (FM) Miftah Ismail on Sunday said that most Pakistanis are driven by emotions and not rationality.

    “How many people spoke up for a Christian couple burnt alive in an industrial kiln? A few days ago, an Ahmadi was killed but not many people raised their voices. People are scared.”

    Read more: Ahmadi man allegedly murdered for not chanting slogans in praise of Khadim Rizvi

    A 62-year-old member of the Ahmadi community named Naseer Ahmad was stabbed to death in Chenab Nagar on August 12, for allegedly refusing to chant slogans in praise of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi.

    https://twitter.com/SAMRIReports/status/1559108747502538753?s=20&t=1PbwDx-IqmjAnhPaRqTy-A

    Miftah went on to say that we don’t value education and that we are an emotionally driven country. “We are an emotional country that does not give much precedence to rationality and thinking.”

    “We don’t own Nobel laureate, Dr Abdus Salam, because he was an Ahmadi. Our daughter, Malala [Yousafzai] won a Nobel Prize and we find all kinds of faults in the world and associate them with her,” said Miftah.

    The minister also said that our country lacks the basic awareness required for a country to progress because we don’t give preference to education.

    Twitterati reacted to Miftah’s comments about minority rights.

  • Commonwealth Games silver medalist Inam Butt gets hero’s welcome on return

    Commonwealth Games silver medalist Inam Butt gets hero’s welcome on return

    Commonwealth Games silver medalist Inam Butt, bronze medalist Inayatullah, and sprinter Shajar Abbas reached Pakistan on Monday (August 15) and received a grand welcome on their return. Director General (DG) Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Asif Zaman welcomed the players at the Islamabad Airport.

    Butt took to Twitter to share a picture.

    “Alhamdulillah safely landed. Thanks, @SportsBoardPak for the great reception at midnight.”

    Commonwealth Games and Islam Solidarity Games gold medalist Arshad Nadeem will arrive in Pakistan today.

    Commonwealth Games gold medalist Nooh Butt will be seen in action at the Islamic Solidarity Games today (August 15).

    Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have ended while Islamic Solidarity Games in Turkey are still going on.

    Earlier this month, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) announced prize money for those who won medals in the Commonwealth Games.

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  • In Pictures: Pakistan unveils its first electric car with 210km range

    In Pictures: Pakistan unveils its first electric car with 210km range

    Except for Pakistan, electric vehicles have gained massive popularity throughout the world. A few imported cars that are available in the local market are pricey and out of the range of the average person.

    Now that Pakistan’s first electric automobile has been launched with some outstanding features, things are set to change.

    NUR-E 75 images – Photos by Pakwheels

    On Independence Day, Pakistan’s first electric vehicle prototype, the NUR-E 75, was displayed on August 14.

    The battery in the car will have a 35kWh capacity with a range of 210 kilometres after being fully charged.

    NUR-E 75 will save a significant amount of fuel, contribute to the fight against climate change, and maintain economic prosperity, claims Dr Khurshid Qureshi, founder and chairperson of the Distinguished Innovation, Collaboration & Entrepreneurship (DICE) Foundation, who developed the prototype.

    It has a maximum speed of 120km/h, tyre size of 16 inches, a ground clearance of 190mm, and a charging capacity of 220V in eight hours, with fast charging also available.

    Dr Qureshi claimed that the production of the car has three stages: the first involved industrial design, production, and launch; the second involved expanding production to include sedans and SUVs, small commercial trucks, and EV platform export; and the third involves exporting the cars.

    Read more: Cheapest new cars to buy in Pakistan

    The completely working prototype, EV NUR-E 75, is ready for testing and regulatory approval, he said, adding that manufacturing started in 2019. Meanwhile, design work on a rolling platform that will be utilised for multiple vehicle segments is in progress.

    The little hatchback’s maximum output is 80 kW (108 horsepower), and its 35 kWh battery can travel 210 km without the air conditioner on.

    He emphasised that the vehicle, given to Pakistan as a gift for its diamond jubilee, would play a significant role in the context of the environment and climate change and help us transition away from the use of non-renewable fuels.

  • PM Shehbaz, Saudi Crown Prince agree on mutual cooperation in investment, energy, and trade

    PM Shehbaz, Saudi Crown Prince agree on mutual cooperation in investment, energy, and trade

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman exchanged views to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries during a telephonic conversation.

    Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to intensify mutual cooperation in the fields of investment, energy, and trade, Radio Pakistan reported.

    According to a Financial Times report, the IMF and Saudi Arabia have also discussed the possibility of Islamabad being able to borrow up to $2.8 billion against Riyadh’s quota of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at the Fund after Saudi Arabia’s decision to renew $3 billion deposit at the State Bank of Pakistan.

    “Once finalised, Pakistan’s extent of borrowing from the IMF during the present financial year (July to June) will increase by $2.8bn. This will be a very important gesture,” read the report.

    On the occasion of the 75th Independence Day of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated the Pakistani nation.

  • Here’s how Pakistani students can apply for Chevening scholarship

    Here’s how Pakistani students can apply for Chevening scholarship

    The application period for the UK government’s prestigious Chevening scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year has started. The programme covers the entire cost of a one-year master’s degree at any UK university, and this is why it is very competitive.

    Here is all the information about the scholarship you need:
    What does the scholarship cover?
    • University tuition fees
    • A monthly stipend
    • Travel costs to and from the UK
    • An arrival allowance
    • A homeward departure allowance
    • The cost of one visa application
    • A travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK
    Eligibility criteria:
    • Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory
    • Return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your award has ended
    • Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry onto a postgraduate programme at a UK university by the time you submit your application. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK but may be different depending on your course and university choice
    • Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience
    • Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of these choices by July 13, 2023
    You are not eligible for a Chevening scholarship if you:
    • Hold British or dual British citizenship (unless you are a citizen of a British Overseas Territory or hold BN(O) and are applying from Hong Kong)
    • Hold refugee status in a non-Chevening eligible country. Applicants who are citizens of a Chevening-eligible country and who hold refugee status in a Chevening-eligible country are eligible for a scholarship
    • Employees, former employees, or relatives* of an employee of Chevening Partner organisations are eligible to apply, but if the employment took place within the last two years, you cannot receive a Chevening Partner Award from the organisation from which you work, previously worked, or are affiliated with through relatives
    • Have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government-funded scholarship
    How to apply?
    • Select three courses at three different universities. You can choose any Chevening-eligible course at any UK university
    • You are required to submit the names of two referees
    • All Chevening applicants must submit their education documents, references, and one unconditional UK university offer
    • The deadlines for these required documents are in the Chevening application timeline

    Since 1983, more than 2,000 Pakistanis have had the opportunity to study in the UK through Chevening.

  • SBP unveils Rs75 commemorative banknote

    SBP unveils Rs75 commemorative banknote

    To commemorate 75 years of Pakistan’s independence, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) presented the Rs75 commemorative banknote on Sunday during a ceremony conducted at the SBP Museum.

    The banknote was unveiled by the acting Governor of SBP Dr Murtaza Syed.

    Dr Murtaza made the following observation after the introduction of the commemorative banknote and flag-hoisting ceremony: “While the issuance of coins and postal stamps is a regular and recurring element to honour days of national importance.”

    The former SBP governor Dr. Raza Baqir has signed the banknote, which would be available to the general public from September 30.

    The colour of the banknote is primarily green, with hints of white and yellow. Green is a symbol of prosperity and development that also draws on Pakistan’s Islamic heritage. White, on the other hand, highlights the diversity of religions among its residents.

    The front of the note has portraits of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.

    The images of the Markhor and Deodar trees on the reverse reflect Pakistan’s dedication as a nation to combating climate change and its effects.

    The Markhor and Deodar trees are both representations of the destruction caused by these changes and need immediate action to stop and reverse environmental degradation.

    Speaking at the event, Dr Syed remarked, “The SBP Finance Department went above and above to quickly complete this vital project, and I applaud their efforts.”

    The central bank has now released two notes of this type, including the Rs75 note. In the past, to commemorate Pakistan’s Golden Jubilee, the SBP released the first and, to date, only commemorative banknote in 1997.

    To commemorate the nation’s centennial of independence, children with disabilities also participated and sang national patriotic songs during the ceremony.

  • Muneeb Butt breaks silence on Minal Khan-Kylie Jenner fiasco

    Muneeb Butt breaks silence on Minal Khan-Kylie Jenner fiasco

    Actor Minal Khan got trolled on social media earlier this year after she copied American reality television star Kylie Jenner’s Instagram story. The netizens scrutinised her for cropping the name Jenner from the photo and shared it as her own.

    Minal Khan mocked for Copying Kylie Jenner's Instagram Story | DESIblitz

    Now her brother-in-law, Muneeb Butt has responded to the Jalan diva’s controversy on Tabish Hashmi’s show, Hasna Mana Hai.

    The Daldal actor said, ‘When this news was viral on social media, we were all laughing and the family’s WhatsApp group was flooded with memes on Minal.”

    Defending Minal Khan, he said that some people are in the habit of posting too many stories on Instagram. She must have seen the picture and shared it. She didn’t mean for people to think it was her breakfast picture.

    Recently Aiman responded to her Butt’s humorous comment on her brother-in-law Ahsan Mohsin Ikram’s post. Ahsan shared a picture of Minal and him holding each other’s hands and captioned the post as, “This is how it all started.”

    Muneeb was quick to comment on the post, which caught Aiman’s attention. The Ishq Tamasha star asked him under his comment that why does he comment on everything?

  • ‘We are no less than anyone in the world’: PM Shehbaz on Independence Day

    Pakistanis all across the world are celebrating the diamond jubilee of Pakistan’s independence. The day dawned with 31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

    National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters, and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.

    On occasion, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi and other politicians wished the entire nation.

    Addressing a national flag-hoisting and unveiling of re-recording ceremony at Jinnah Convention Centre, PM Shehbaz said that like their forefathers, on this 75th Independence Day, they vowed to transform Pakistan into an economic power.

    “If we can become a nuclear power, we can also become an economic power but for it we have to strive day and night and prove to the world that we are no less than anyone in the world,” he added.

    On Twitter, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of economic sovereignty. He said, “Time has come for the nation to understand what true freedom means. It is a freedom from want, hunger and poverty. Without economic sovereignty, our freedom is incomplete. Our greatest strength is our people. It is about time we place their welfare at the center of public policy.”

    “While we celebrate our hard-earned independence, Pakistan at 75 calls for deep reflection. We have yet to fully realize the dream that our founding fathers dreamed,” he added.

    The premier went to meet the orphans of the Pakistan Sweet Home in Islamabad. A video shared by PM Office on Twitter showed PM Shehbaz and children cutting the cake.

    https://twitter.com/PMO_PK/status/1558751616773173248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1558751616773173248%7Ctwgr%5E306d44900a005e0c517f096de9b9ea28a4a08c24%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F433640-child-melts-pm-shehbaz-sharifs-heart-at-independence-day-ceremony

    President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress and prosperity of the country.

    “We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland,” the president said in a message on the 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan.

    The president spent his day at Kashana Orphanage. Sharing a picture, he said, “I spent my 75th Independence Day at Kashana Orphanage, a shelter for girls. These happy faces are the real future of my country. I dream of a Pakatan where every girl is educated and becomes a contributor to the national economy.”

    Foriegn Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in his message to the nation also offered his felicitations to the nation. He said, “Pakistan stands tall today as the amalgamation of both ancient and modern. While preserving our historical identity, we are a nation with our eyes on the future.”

    In his messages on the eve of Independence Day, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the supremacy of elected parliament of the people is essential for a free, independent and dignified Pakistan. “Now the time has come to make sustainable decisions for the country and the nation by fully implementing the Charter of Democracy.”