Author: newsdesk

  • Video: European Union ambassador plays Pakistan’s national anthem on trumpet

    Video: European Union ambassador plays Pakistan’s national anthem on trumpet

    The newly appointed Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Dr Riina Kionka, played Pakistan’s national anthem on trumpet. The video was shared by the official account of the European Union.

    “On the 75th Independence Day Amb Dr Riina Kionka, plays Qaumi Tarana on trumpet, as a special gesture of honour to Pakistan on 14th August. 2022 marks 60 years of long-standing.”

    Dr Riina Kionka met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today (August 11). The Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan attached high importance to its relations with the EU as well as its historically close and cooperative bilateral ties with EU member states.

  • Kareena Kapoor appreciates Alia Bhatt for becoming a mother at 29

    Kareena Kapoor appreciates Alia Bhatt for becoming a mother at 29

    Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor lauded Alia’s decision to start a family at the peak of her career in a recent interview. Kapoor even termed it as the actress’ ‘bravest, coolest’ decision.

    In the month of June, Alia Bhatt announced that she is expecting her first child with Ranbir Kapoor. The actress will be embracing motherhood at the age of 29 and Kareena Kapoor Khan is all praise for Alia.

    In an interview with Mid-Day, Kareena said, “I think it’s the bravest and coolest decision for Alia. She is promoting her film, looking ravishing as ever. There is no bigger star than her today, and I am not being biased because she is a part of my family. I am saying this because she is a spectacular actor. After delivery, she will go on to do the best of films. She has stood up for the most beautiful [feeling], which is, ‘I want to have a child with the man I love.’ She wants to experience the most beautiful thing in life, and I love her more for that. I am her fan.”

    In July 2022, Kareena announced that she is not pregnant with her third child.

    Kareena Kapoor debunks pregnancy rumours in hilarious way, says 'Saif has contributed way too much' - Movies News

    The talented actress faced speculation after a picture of her and Saif from their recent family vacation in the UK was widely shared online. “It’s pasta and wine guys… Calm down… I am not pregnant,” the actor wrote on Instagram as she denied rumours she was expecting.

    Saif and Kareena, who married in 2012, are parents to sons Taimur Ali Khan, 5, and Jehangir Ali Khan, 1.

    7 times Saif Ali Khan fondly spoke about his kids Sara, Ibrahim and Taimur Ali Khan | The Times of India

    Saif is also the father of actor Sara Ali Khan and assistant director Ibrahim Ali Khan, his children with ex-wife Amrita Singh.

    Earlier this year the Kambakht Ishq star hit out at trolls for age-shaming her along with her friends Amrita Arora and Malaika Arora after their pictures from Karan Johar’s 50th birthday circulated on social media.

    Taking to her Instagram stories, Kareena shared a hard-hitting message to all netizens who keep calling her ‘buddhi’ in social media comments.

    Sharing a screenshot of one such post featuring the word in the comments, the actress wrote, “I keep seeing this on comments! If n when I bother to check, unless it’s the one that comes up on top!”

    Continuing further and calling out trolls, Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote, “So…. buddhi is meant as an insult?? Cos for me it’s just a word.. a word that means old?! Yes we are older.. n wiser… but you, are nameless, faceless, ageless? And so are your folks?!”

    Kareena Kapoor Khan Has A Spicy Response To Trolls Calling Her ‘Buddhi,’ Says “You, Are Nameless, Faceless, Ageless”

    The Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham actress has had to face online users who keep bringing up her age and call her ‘buddhi’ or old, time and time again. Seems like, the Heroine star is done with having to put up with this nonsense and has taken to social media to slam all tagging her with such names.

    For Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt Wedding With Saif Ali Khan Beside Her, Kareena Kapoor In A Shimmering Pink Saree Is A Perfect Summer Time Wedding Guest

    In April 2022 she was trolled on social media for looking old at cousin Ranbir Kapoor’s wedding with Alia Bhatt.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is WhatsApp-Image-2022-04-15-at-12.04.07-PM.jpeg

    Netizens associated her aged looks to smoking and other alleged lifestyle habits.

  • ‘Even Army Chief receives gifts’: Imran Khan demands investigation of Toshakhana gifts

    ‘Even Army Chief receives gifts’: Imran Khan demands investigation of Toshakhana gifts

    Addressing his supporters via video link, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan talked about the Toshakhana controversy. Khan said that all those who were appointed to higher ranks in government offices receive gifts and even the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) receives them.

    “Even the army chief gets gifts. Asif Zardari took three expensive cars from the Toshakhana. I also received one car while Nawaz Sharif took one car,” he added while demanding that all of them should be investigated.

    Khan said that the government is trying to malign his reputation. He also revealed that PTI leaders are receiving threats from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

    Foreign funding case

    Talking about the party’s foreign funding case, Khan said that it is “baseless”.

    The PTI chief said that the party had provided the names of 40,000 donors, who are now being termed “foreigners” by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    “Despite a court order to investigate other parties’ cases, it was only the PTI that was put under a trial,” added the PTI chairman.

    Imran Khan said that the only way to take the country out of the current crisis was through “free and fair elections”.

    ‘Gill should be given a chance to clarify’: Imran Khan

    Talking about his aide Shahbaz Gill’s arrest, Khan said he should be given a chance to clarify in court.

    “Gill should be charged if he has said anything that goes against the law,” said Khan, defending his party member by saying that his driver was attacked and his vehicle’s glass was smashed.

    ‘Govt conspired to cause rifts between PTI, army’: Imran Khan

    Khan said that the coalition government has hatched a plan to create a rift between the PTI and the Pakistan Army. Khan added that the incumbent government has “conspired against the biggest party in Pakistan”.

    “They [government] had issues with the fact that the army and the PTI were on the same page. Even India used to acknowledge that,” said Khan.

    The PTI leader went on to say that his party exposed the disinformation campaigns against the country.

    “Today, it’s being said that we are against the army and now they’ve [the government people] become the patriots who are calling us traitors,” he said, adding that he cares about Pakistan, and those who care about the country want their army to be strong.

  • 12 important things you need to know before buying a used iPhone

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

    There are countless loyal iPhone users throughout the world since the Apple iPhone is without a doubt the best flagship phone on the market.

    Users of Apple products are less inclined to switch to another brand since they are accustomed to its pristine interface, superior quality, and astounding performance.

    Due to the fact that iPhones are among the most expensive cellphones available, some customers opt to purchase used iPhones as they cannot afford a new one.

    If you’re buying the most recent model, there might not be a problem, but if you’re buying an iPhone that is between one and three years old, there are several things you should look into before buying your pricey used iPhone as many of the available used iPhones have been refurbished or repaired due to a fault.

    A layperson can be easily scammed if he is unaware of things he should check before buying. Here are 12 most important things to keep in mind before getting a second hand iPhone:

    Refurbish check

    Look at the “Model Number” entry under Settings > General > About to see if the iPhone is a refurbished model. This number has been refurbished by Apple or a carrier if it begins with an F.

    Repaired or sealed

    The presence of screws or the removal of the paint could indicate that the phone has been fixed, but occasionally repair shops open very carefully and leave no trace at all.

    Screen fitting and allignment

    Check the screen’s edges and all of its sides for gaps, glue stains, or misaligned panels that could indicate that the iPhone’s screen is replaced.

    Spots in LCD

    Try covering the screen with black and white wallpaper and look for any blemishes or shades. Any stains or lines indicate that the screen is damaged, and some small stains may eventually become larger.

    True tone functionality

    Find the ‘True Tone’ option in the control centre by holding the brightness controller down for two seconds or by checking the display settings. The screen panel is original if the True Tone is visible and functional.

    3d touch test

    The iPhone’s 3D touch functionality can be tested by pressing and holding images or apps for two seconds, or by using a live wallpaper.

    Battery Health

    To determine whether the battery health is greater than 80%, go to settings and select battery. If not, the battery needs to be replaced and may require service.

    Check both speakers

    If you plan to purchase an iPhone 7 or higher edition, test the top and bottom speakers by playing some music or a ringtone. Both speakers should be functional while playing any audio.

    Test all camera modes

    Many consumers wind up purchasing an iPhone with a faulty camera. Every camera mode should be tested, especially the portrait mode. If the camera fails to identify objects and keeps taking blurry pictures, it may be damaged.

    Blacklist check

    This is a very crucial point to bear in mind while purchasing from dubious sources. Numerous consumers in Pakistan have fallen victim to scams and purchased blacklisted or software unlocked phones that were misrepresented to them as factory unlocked devices. Before making the purchase, try factory reseting the device.

    Check IMEI on sim tray

    Many individuals do not consider checking the iPhone’s sim tray, despite the fact that it is one of the most crucial things one should check.

    If the IMEI of the phone and the one listed on the sim tray do not match, the original sim tray might not be present since the iPhone may have spent a lot of time in a repair shop.

    Verify PTA compliance

    To check if the device is PTA approved, copy and paste the IMEI number displayed in the settings or dial *#06# and email the IMEI to 8484.

    Read more: Leaks reveal iPhone 14 could be the best model ever

    Additionally, purchasing an iPhone from a store is highly recommended over doing it online.

    Following all these steps, you can find a flawless iPhone and reduce your chance of being scammed.

  • Celebrate Independence Day with these Azadi sales

    Celebrate Independence Day with these Azadi sales

    Pakistan’s Independence Day is just around the corner and to celebrate this special day, various brands are offering discounts to their customers.

    The Current has made a list of brands that are offering discounts to mark Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day.

    Outfitters:

    Outfitters is offering a flat 30 per cent discount on its entire collection.

    Check it out here.

    By The Way

    By The Way is offering a flat 40 and 50 per cent discounts on their entire stock.

    NDURE

    If you are looking to get some new shoes, you can check out NDURE. The brand is offering up to 50 per cent discount.

    Depilex salon:

    Pamper yourself by availing of these deals at Depilex salon.

    Gul Ahmed/ Ideas

    Gul Ahmed is offering up to 50 per cent discount on a wide range of products.

    Website: https://www.gulahmedshop.com/

    IRIS Hair & Makeup Studio

    IRIS is offering different deals this Independence Day.

    Amir Adnan

    Amir Adnan‘s Independence Day sale offers up to 30 per cent off on the entire stock.

    Check it out here.

    Sapphire Pakistan

    Sapphire Pakistan is offering up to 50 per cent off on selected items.

  • Iraqi actress to sue Economist for using her picture in article about ‘fat’ women

    Iraqi actress to sue Economist for using her picture in article about ‘fat’ women

    Iraqi actress and well-known TV personality Enas Taleb is suing The Economist for using her picture in an article related to obesity. She stated in an interview that she has started legal proceedings in the United Kingdom (UK).

    In an article titled ‘Why women are fatter than men in the Arab world’, The Economist published a photo of Enas Taleb. The picture was taken at the Babylon International Festival in Iraq. Enas said that the image was used out of context without her permission and violated her privacy. She also claimed it had been photoshopped.

    The article argued that Arab women are overweight due to poverty and restrictions on leaving their homes.

    Taleb said she was preparing to sue the publication in an interview with Newsline, “I have decided to take legal action against The Economist for their cover story. I am demanding compensation for the emotional, mental and social damage this incident has caused me. My legal team and I are arranging the next steps.”

    Talking to al-Arabiya TV, Enas labelled the article as an “insult to the Arab woman in general and Iraqi women in particular”. She questioned why The Economist “takes interest in fat women in the Arab world and not in Europe or the USA”.

  • IMF to send Letter of Intent soon to release $1.17 billion tranche

    IMF to send Letter of Intent soon to release $1.17 billion tranche

    The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) agreement with Pakistan to release two tranches totaling $1.17 billion as part of a loan facility that was stalled is nearing completion, as the Letter of Intent (LoI) from the fund may arrive in a few days.

    Pakistan is likely to receive the LoI, which the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Finance Minister, Miftah Ismail, will jointly sign, according to The News.

    The IMF mission leader had to rush to Australia for a personal engagement, according to senior officials at the Finance Ministry, thus the Fund was likely to submit the LoI “anytime soon.”

    The IMF board would also discuss adding $1 billion to a $6 billion programme agreed upon in 2019 at its meeting scheduled for August 24.

    The government may impose higher taxes on cigarettes, tobacco leaves, fertiliser, and other items in order to appease the IMF.

    Additional taxes are being considered for a variety of sectors. Through a Presidential Ordinance, tax rates on cigarettes and the processing of tobacco leaf might be increased.

  • PM Shehbaz likely to meet Narendra Modi at SCO summit

    PM Shehbaz likely to meet Narendra Modi at SCO summit

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif is expected to have a meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, reports The News.

    The summit is scheduled to be held on September 15 and 16 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

    PM Shehbaz is likely to meet the country heads of China, Russia and Iran as well.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari attended  a meeting of the SCO FMs on July 28.

  • Punjab: Markets to remain open after 9pm and on Sunday

    Punjab: Markets to remain open after 9pm and on Sunday

    The Punjab government on Wednesday lifted all restrictions imposed on businesses across the province to remain open late into the night.

    The ban had been in place since June.

    Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi lifted the ban on the demand of the traders.

    Business centres, markets and shops will remain open on Sundays as well. In addition, markets, shops and businesses will remain open after 9pm, said the chief minister.

    Earlier in June, former CM Punjab Hamza Shehbaz stated that markets across the province would close at 9pm as the government sought to conserve electricity following the country’s power crisis.

  • Here’s how Pakistani students can apply for Moroccan Government Scholarships

    Here’s how Pakistani students can apply for Moroccan Government Scholarships

    The Moroccan Agency of International Cooperation (AMCI) has offered scholarships to Pakistani students who want to enroll in public higher education, technical, and vocational institutions in Morocco for the academic year 2022–2023.

    The deadline for Higher Education Commission (HEC) to receive nominations is set for September 20, 2022.

    How to apply for the scholarship:

    Candidates should choose “Learning Opportunities Abroad” after registering and filling out their profiles.

    All applicants should note that all nominations from Pakistan will be routed via HEC. Applicants should send two sets of AMCI application (French form) along with required documents as mentioned on page-2 of the AMCI application form, in spiral binding and one copy of HEC application form with documents separately in spiral binding on or before, September 20, 2022.

    Read more: Cheapest new cars to buy in Pakistan

    On the basis of the greatest academic merit, HEC will narrow down the list of qualified candidates. Moroccan authorities or universities may test or interview selected Pakistani nominees.

    It is worth noting that French is the primary language of instruction, and only students who have demonstrated proficiency in the language will be allowed to study in Morocco.