Author: newsdesk

  • Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja joins BJP

    Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja joins BJP

    Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has followed in his wife’s footsteps and entered politics, starting a new journey by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    BJP is the right-wing ruling party currently led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    His wife, Rivaba Jadeja, announced his entry into politics on X (formerly Twitter). She is a BJP Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Jamnagar in Gujarat. She joined BJP in 2019 and became an MP in 2022.

    Jadeja scored over 3,000 runs and took 294 wickets in 72 Test matches. He played 197 ODI matches for India, in which he scored 2,756 runs and took 220 wickets. In T20 Internationals, Jadeja scored 515 runs and 54 wickets in 74 games.

    After India won the T20 World Cup this year, Jadeja announced retirement from the T20 format.

  • Waheed Murad’s son shares strong opinions on biopic about his father

    Waheed Murad’s son shares strong opinions on biopic about his father

    Film producer and actor Adil Murad, son of the iconic actor Waheed Murad, has expressed that he does not wish to make a film about his father’s life.During a phone interview on ‘ZAH Entertainment’s YouTube show,’

    Murad discussed his father, the late Waheed

    Murad.Adil said, “Even if I agreed to make a film about Waheed Murad’s life, an actor would have to portray him on screen. Can we truly accept anyone in the role of Waheed Murad? Is there an actor who can do justice to his role?”The host asked, “Even if a biopic were made, couldn’t you use his name to earn royalties and contribute in some way? To me, however, his respect and legacy are far more valuable than money.”

    Murad replied, “Waheed Murad had his own unique style, and that made him a famous actor. It’s difficult to capture that reality.”

    When discussing remakes of Waheed Murad’s films,

    Adil remarked, “Many people have approached me about making a film on Waheed Murad’s life, but I always ask them: where can we find actors like Waheed Murad or Zeba?”Someone would have to portray him on screen, but can we accept anyone else in that role? And would they be able to do justice to it as Waheed Murad Sahib did?”

    Adil Murad fondly recalled his father’s style, saying, “From the way he walked, sat, moved his hands, to even the movements of his eyes—everything was uniquely his. That’s what made him stand out. Every action he performed made him a complete actor.”

  • Analysts expect further 150 basis points cut in interest rate by SBP next week

    Analysts expect further 150 basis points cut in interest rate by SBP next week

    Analysts predict that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is likely to maintain its dovish stance, potentially implementing a third consecutive reduction in its key policy rate, supported by slowing inflation and improved macroeconomic indicators.

    The SBP is set to announce its key policy rate on Thursday, September 12. In its previous two meetings, the central bank has cumulatively reduced the rate by 250 basis points.

    Brokerage firm Arif Habib Limited (AHL) anticipates a 150 basis point cut, which would lower the policy rate to 18 per cent, a level last observed in February 2023 when the rate fell to 17 per cent.

    According to Business Recorder, AHL’s report, based on a recent poll, reveals that 93 per cent of respondents expect a rate reduction, while 7 per cent foresee no change.

    In July, the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had already cut the key policy rate by 100 basis points to 19.5 per cent. At that time, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad noted a downward trend in inflation.

    August 2024 saw Pakistan’s headline inflation decrease to 9.6 per cent year-on-year, down from 11.1 per cent in July, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

    This return to single-digit inflation for the first time in three years has resulted in a real interest rate of approximately 1,000 basis points, providing further room for a rate cut, AHL suggests.

    JS Global echoes this sentiment, predicting that the easing inflation supports the MPC’s case for another reduction in September, with a projected cut of 150 basis points, bringing the policy rate to 18 per cent.

    Topline Securities’ CEO, Mohammed Sohail, expects a rate cut between 100 and 200 basis points, while Abdullah Farhan, Head of Research at IGI Securities, foresees a reduction of 150 to 200 basis points, driven by the recent decline in inflation.

    Farhan also projects that inflation could rise to 13-14 per cent by year-end due to base effects, with the policy rate potentially declining to 16 per cent by December.

    Ismail Iqbal Securities also supports the view that real rates remain significantly positive, indicating potential for a further rate cut. The firm anticipates a 100 basis point reduction in the upcoming MPC meeting.

    Alongside the downward inflation trend, analysts note improvements in external indicators. The trade deficit narrowed slightly to $3.6 billion in the first two months of FY25. The current account deficit has significantly decreased to $162 million in July, largely due to a 48 per cent year-on-year increase in remittances, which has helped stabilise the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar.

  • Gold price climbs Rs2,000 to Rs262,100 per tola after two consecutive declines

    Gold price climbs Rs2,000 to Rs262,100 per tola after two consecutive declines

    Gold prices in Pakistan saw a significant rise on Thursday, with the rate of 24-karat gold increasing by Rs2,000, reaching Rs262,100 per tola, according to the Karachi Sarafa Association.

    The price for 10 grammes of 24-karat gold also climbed, standing at Rs224,708, an increase of Rs1,714.

    Meanwhile, 22-karat gold was priced higher at Rs205,983 per 10 grammes, reflecting the overall upward trend in the market.

    In contrast, silver prices remained stable, with 24-karat silver holding steady at Rs2,900 per tola and Rs2,486 per 10 grammes.

    On the international market, spot gold traded at $2,504 per ounce, marking an increase of $8.9, or 0.36 per cent, from the previous session.

  • PKR strengthens 9 paisa against US dollar, weakens 71 paisa versus British Pound

    PKR strengthens 9 paisa against US dollar, weakens 71 paisa versus British Pound

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) saw a marginal gain against the US dollar (USD) in the inter-bank market on Thursday, appreciating by 0.03 per cent.

    By the close of the trading day, the rupee settled at 278.68, marking an increase of Re0.09 compared to Wednesday’s closing value of 278.77, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    Here is a comparison of the last two closing rates, detailing PKR’s performance against various currencies aside from the US dollar. Below are the closing rates for Thursday and Wednesday, highlighting the changes in value:

    Currency Thursday’s closing Difference Wednesday’s closing
    Saudi Riyal 74.24 -0.03 74.27
    UAE Dirham 75.90 +0.03 75.87
    Euro 308.95 +0.87 308.08
    British Pound 366.39 +0.72 365.67
    Swiss Franc 329.15 +0.74 328.41
    Japanese Yen 1.9402 +0.02 1.9209
    Chinese Yuan 39.25 +0.06 39.19
    Exchange rates comparison

    In terms of other currencies, the Saudi Riyal experienced a slight decline, closing at 74.24 after losing 3.63 paisa from its previous value of 74.27. Similarly, the UAE Dirham depreciated by 2.5 paisa, ending the day at 75.90 compared to 75.87 on Wednesday.

    Meanwhile, the rupee weakened against the Euro, losing 87.39 paisa to close at 308.95, compared to 308.08 in the previous session. The British Pound also saw a rise, becoming 71.57 paisa more expensive, closing at 366.39 from the previous day’s 365.67.

    The Swiss Franc appreciated by 74.5 paisa, closing at 329.15, up from 328.41. In contrast, the Japanese Yen saw the rupee weaken by 1.93 paisa, ending the day at 1.9402 compared to 1.9209.

    The Chinese Yuan strengthened against the PKR, gaining 5.58 paisa and closing at 39.25, up from 39.19.

    In recent months, the Pakistani rupee has fluctuated between 277 and 279, with traders closely monitoring developments related to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board decision on the $7-billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

    For the current financial year, the rupee has depreciated by 33.38 paisa or 0.12 per cent against the dollar. However, in the calendar year so far, it has appreciated by Rs3.19, or 1.14 per cent

  • ‘I love his work, he’s a phenomenal actor,’ Vaani Kapoor praises Fawad Khan

    ‘I love his work, he’s a phenomenal actor,’ Vaani Kapoor praises Fawad Khan

    Bollywood and Lollywood cinema fans have something exciting to look forward to, as heartthrob Fawad Khan will soon share the screen with Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor in a highly anticipated film.

    While details about the film remain hidden from the public, Vaani has spoken up about Fawad. During an interview with BBC Asian Network’s Haroon Rashid she was asked that several publications including film fare and deadline, have reported that she is doing a film with Fawad Khan. “I know you can’t speak about whether or not you’re doing this film. Hypothetically, if you were doing a film with Fawad, how exciting would that be for you? And how much of a fan are you of his work?”

    Vaani Kapoor replied, “I love his work. I’ve seen a couple of his shows on the streaming platforms. Back in the days, I used to watch it with my mom, and I love him. I think the audience here in India has loved him for the artist that he is, the craft that he possesses, and the fact that he is supremely talented.”

    The host followed up asking, “You mentioned you’re a fan of his OTT platform work. Are you team Humsafar or team Zindagi Gulzar Hai?”

    The Khel Khel Mein actress replied, “I love them both I do, I can’t differentiate, I think he is a phenomenal actor.”

    According to reports from Film Fare, Fawad will play a British chef in the film which will be directed by Aarti Bagdi, and will be shot in London and Dubai.

  • ‘Militants will be dealt with an iron hand,’ DG ISPR

    ‘Militants will be dealt with an iron hand,’ DG ISPR

    Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry has said that militants will be dealt with an iron hand.

    During a press conference at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the DG said, “There is no area where terrorists are active,” ruling out the presence of a no-go area in the country.

    He further said that factions that attempts to create a rift between Pakistan and Afghanistan, two brotherly nations, are “living in an imaginary world.”

    Commenting on former spymaster General Faiz Hameed’s military trial, Chaudhry remarked that if an individual from the Pakistan Army “works for personal gain or promotes a specific agenda,” the law will take its course.

    He clarified that no one is exempt from the law, and action will be taken against anyone who does not abide law.

    “Pakistan Army is neither against nor in favour of any political party,” he added.

    Speaking about security operations nationwide, Chaudhry claimed that security forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) carried out 32,173 Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) against terrorists in the first eight months of the ongoing year.

  • ‘Adeel and Mustafa crying in the corner’; Hilarious comments under Hania’s selfie with Naeema Butt

    ‘Adeel and Mustafa crying in the corner’; Hilarious comments under Hania’s selfie with Naeema Butt

    ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ stars Hania Aamir and Naeema Butt have praised each other off-screen.

    Unlike their feuding on-screen characters, Rubab and Sharjeena both have nothing but kind words for each other on social media.

    On Wednesday, Hania Aamir shared a behind-the-scenes photo with Naeema Butt on Instagram, playfully referencing their on-screen fight with the caption, “But how dare she speak to my family like that?”

    Soon after, Hania posted the picture to her stories, praising her co-star. “What an absolute honour to work with such a powerhouse of talent,” she wrote, adding, “Miss ma’am, we are your fans for life.”

    In response, Naeema Butt replied with affection, saying, “Haye! My Sharjeena. Ma paru sa Gudda, come to me. I adore youuu & thank you.”

  • There is one thing Ali Safina will never ever do

    There is one thing Ali Safina will never ever do

     
    Ali Safina has established himself in the entertainment industry with a successful acting, modelling and hosting career. He recently appeared as a guest in Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast where the host asked, “One thing you will never do.”

    Safina replied, “I will never talk nonsense against Pakistan. Nowadays, it has become a trend to say bad things about Pakistan or whatever. We constantly talk badly about our own people. You know, people talk about the establishment, then cricketers, then artists. I mean, give us a break.”

     The Fairy Tale actor reflected on the trend of negativity, expressing disappointment at how quickly people criticize and judge their own country’s achievements.

    “What I’m trying to say is, why everyone so angry is. Why is everyone judging others? I think our country is really great, a beautiful country, but people aren’t appreciating it. We’re destroying everything and fighting with everyone. Why are we fighting, we have nothing to celebrate. But even the little things sometimes we feel happy about them. Like recently, when our satellite went to space, people were still making negative comments about it,” he observed.
     
    Ali Safina continued, “Okay, tell me, when was the last time we sent a satellite? It’s the first time we did something like this. Now that Sparco has finally done it, it’s a good thing. You know, people need to talk positively. But again, they only criticize. You’ll never find me speaking badly about Pakistan.”
    Safina has starred in dramas like the Barat series, Suno Chanda, Chupke Chupke, and Very Film.

  • Man dies after doctors remove liver instead of spleen

    Man dies after doctors remove liver instead of spleen

    A man in America lost his life after surgeons mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen during surgery.

    70-year-old William Bryan from Alabama had come to Florida with his wife for vacations when he suddenly felt severe pain in his gut. His wife Beverly took him to the hospital, where doctors conducted necessary tests and diagnosed a malfunctioning spleen while admitting him to the hospital.

    However, during the surgery, doctors removed William’s liver instead of his spleen, causing massive blood loss and the patient’s death.

    American media reported that after the doctors mistakenly removed William’s liver, they labelled the organ ‘spleen’ and told his wife that her husband’s spleen had grown to four times its normal size.

    William’s wife decided to take legal action.

    “My husband died while helpless on the operating room table by Dr Shaknovsky. I don’t want anyone else to die due to his incompetence at a hospital that should have known or knew he had previously made drastic, life-altering surgical mistakes.”

    Bryan and Beverly were married for 33 years, and have three children and eight grandchildren.