Author: newsdesk

  • Noor Mukadam’s calligraphy exhibition to be held in Islamabad

    Noor Mukadam’s calligraphy exhibition to be held in Islamabad

    An exhibition of late Noor Mukadam’s calligraphy will be held in Islamabad from December 10 to December 11. The exhibition is being organised in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts. The exhibition is being held to to honour the life and work of Noor.

    “Noor was spiritually in touch and artistically inclined from a very young age. Her passion for Islam conjoined with her creative soul were expressed through Calligraphy. Noor used this art medium to transmit the voice of the Divine in a unique and beautiful way,” says the invitation to Noor’s exhibition, “She was a prolific artist whose exemplary work was an expression of her innermost thoughts.”

    Read more- ‘It is very hard to imagine a life without her’, Noor Mukadam’s sister demands justice

    “The exhibition will journey the bright illustration of love and compassion in the often volatile and unsettling world of today.”

    Read more- Internationally renowned Pakistani Artist Sara Shakeel makes Noor Mukadam’s memory shine

    Noor Mukadam was brutally murdered at a residence in the capital’s upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20. The case is currently on trial.  Her death sparked national outrage, including protests and candlelight vigils across the country.

  • ‘PML-N calls us fascist, but they are more than that’: PM Khan reacts to Maryam Nawaz’s audio clip

    ‘PML-N calls us fascist, but they are more than that’: PM Khan reacts to Maryam Nawaz’s audio clip

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) calls the government “fascist”, but the party itself is “more than that”, reports Geo News.

    “They [PML-N] say that we impose restrictions on media and call us fascist, however, they are more fascist than us,” remarked the premier.

    He also questioned in what capacity did the PML-N leader issue such directives.

    PM Khan’s comments come in relevance to PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz’s audio where the latter can be heard refusing to give ads to media organisations.

    Earlier this week, in an audio clip doing the rounds on social media, Maryam Nawaz could be heard saying, “We have given many chances to Samaa News. The kind of news Samaa [airs] and the way its anchor Nadeem Malik is, our pact can no longer work with the channel. So we are not giving any ads to Samaa.”

    ”Samaa News, Channel 92, ARY News, and Channel 24 will not get any ads from us [PML-N],” said Maryam

  • Pakistan condemns Indian leader who called for ‘undoing’ of Partition

    Pakistan condemns Indian leader who called for ‘undoing’ of Partition

    Pakistan has strongly condemned and rejected the “highly provocative” and “irresponsible remarks” made by Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. In a statement issued today, the Foreign Office said that this is not the first time that the RSS chief has publicly indulged in such “delusional thinking and historical revisionism”.

    Bhagat has called for the undoing of the Partition, terming it as the “the only solution to the pain of Partition.” “India’s suffering at the time of Partition should not be forgotten. It will go away when the Partition of India is undone,” he said while addressing a book launch ceremony.

    “Pakistan has repeatedly highlighted the threat posed to regional peace and stability by the toxic mix of the extremist ‘Hindutva’ ideology (Hindu Rashtra) and expansionist foreign policy (Akhand Bharat) being pursued by the ruling RSS-BJP dispensation in India,” the statement issued by Pakistani foreign office added.

    The statement further said: “The world is witness to the systematic usurpation of the rights of minorities, especially Muslims, in India and the unabated repression of Kashmiris in IIOJK. The reckless misadventures of India, including in February 2019, that seriously imperiled regional peace and stability are also in front of the world.”

    “Pakistan has consistently opposed India’s hegemonic impulses and demonstrated a firm resolve to thwart any aggressive designs. While committed to peace, the people and armed forces of Pakistan are fully capable of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.”

    “Those belonging to the BJP and its ideological fountainhead RSS would be well- advised to refrain from making such provocative and irresponsible statements, accept the established realities, and learn to follow the imperatives of peaceful coexistence.”

  • Rs40 billion irregularities detected in PM’s Covid package, reveals audit report

    Rs40 billion irregularities detected in PM’s Covid package, reveals audit report

    Pakistan gave in to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) pressure by releasing the audit report of expenditures incurred on Covid-19, disclosing over Rs40 billion irregularities in operations, reports Shahbaz Rana for The Express Tribune.

    “The release of the report by the Ministry of Finance is one of the five prior actions that the IMF has asked Pakistan to implement if it wants to get the $1 billion loan tranche by January next year.”

    “The finance ministry issued Rs314 billion less supplementary grants from the prime minister’s (PM) stimulus package due to which citizens of Pakistan could not avail the complete benefit of the announced package resulting in suffering, economic hardship, and many private factories laying off their workers during Covid-19 process,” revealed the report.

    “Against Rs200 billion promised to daily wagers, only Rs16 billion were distributed among them. The vulnerable families were promised Rs150 billion but given Rs145 billion.”

    Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)

    “The maximum irregularities of over Rs25 billion were found against Rs133 billion spent under the banner of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which was equal to 19 per cent of its spending.”

    The BISP utilised Rs133.3 billion during the fiscal year 2019-20 and 13.1 million beneficiaries were paid.

    The audit observed Rs6.6 billion payments to relatively better-off 484,402 beneficiaries due to the absence of any clear policy which needs to be addressed before making any related future payments.

    “Over Rs16 million payments of Covid-19 cash transfers were made to those beneficiaries who had filers’ status and were well-off. There was also a case of withdrawal of Covid-19 cash grants from both BISP and Zakat by the same beneficiaries worth Rs318.7 million.”

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

    “The National Disaster Management Authority’s spending was Rs22.8 billion and the auditors raised a red flag on Rs4.8 billion or around 21 per cent of the spending.”

    “The auditors found mis-procurement on account of the installation of Resource Management System (RMS) by the NDMA with Rs42.5 million cost. A million-dollar loss was caused to the public exchequer on account of the purchase of ventilators at higher rates and China donated $4 million for the construction of 250 beds Isolation Hospital and Infections Treatment Centre (IHITC), but the money was never used. There were cases of overpayment to Chinese firms on account of the procurement of ventilators.”

    “The NDMA did not impose liquidated damages on supplier firms causing a loss of Rs2.7 billion and $8.3 million.”

    Utility Store

    “The AGP pointed out Rs1.4 billion loss due to irregular and ill-planned procurement of sugar. Another loss of Rs1.6 billion was caused due to irregular procurement of ghee/cooking oil and non-availability of fitness certificates of ghee/oils worth over Rs1.4 billion.”

    “The Rs323 million loss was caused due to non-observance of prescribed flour specifications and another expense of Rs1.7 billion incurred without laboratory test reports. The USC also made excess claim subsidies by increasing the profit ratio on account of the purchase of sugar.”

    Defence

    “The Rs200 million Covid-19 funds were diverted towards the clearance of liabilities and procurement of normal cardiac medicines. During an audit of Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, it was observed from the record that PPE items of the same specifications were purchased at higher rates by ignoring the lowest rates available in the comparative statement of tenders.”

    “The Rs235 million irregular payment was made to Pakistan International Airlines without fulfilling the required formalities against shipment of exactly the same commodity required to be transported through the armed forces’ service aircraft.”

    Other departments

    “The audit observed that the procurements of nine items had been made at higher rates causing a loss of Rs7 million. There were also cases of non-delivery of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by UNICEF having the value of Rs1.3 billion. The Rs10 million discrepancy was found in cases of transportation and food items for passengers returning from abroad, handled by deputy commissioner Islamabad.”

  • Hassan Ali equals Waqar Younis, Imran Khan’s record in Bangladesh Test

    Hassan Ali equals Waqar Younis, Imran Khan’s record in Bangladesh Test

    Pakistani speedster Hassan Ali has equalled former pacer Waqar Younis and former captain Imran Khan’s record for most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by a Pakistani fast pitcher in a calendar year.

    The right-arm fast bowler was unable to impress his fans with his performance at the T20 World Cup but he bounced back at the T20I series against Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series. Now, the pacer has proved himself once again with a 5-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the first innings of the first Test match at Chittagong.

    Hassan was the architect of Bangladesh’s lower-order batting collapse on Saturday as he took quick wickets to ensure a dangerous Bangladesh were restricted to 330 runs in their first innings.

    With figures of 5/51, Ali not only managed to be the pick of the Pakistani bowlers during Bangladesh’s first innings but also entered the record books alongside some of the greatest names of the game.

    Read More – Hassan Ali seals the deal for Pakistan

    With his latest five-fer, Ali has now equalled records for the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by a Pakistani fast bowler in a calendar year, set by legends Imran Khan and Waqar Younis.

    All three Imran Khan, Waqar Younis and Hassan Ali now have 5 five-fers in Test cricket to their name within a calendar year (1982, 1990 and 2021, respectively).

    Pakistan’s former fast bowler Younis holds the record for the most five-fers ever (across formats) in a calendar year by a Pakistani fast bowler, with 6 in 1993.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan scored 79 after 29 overs before tea on the second day. The national side is set for a big score with this partnership built by Asad Shafique and Abid Ali.

  • Malik Riaz and son’s 10 years UK visit visa revoked due to possible corruption

    Malik Riaz and son’s 10 years UK visit visa revoked due to possible corruption

    United Kingdom (UK) courts have decided to revoke a 10-year multi-entry visit visa to real estate tycoon Malik Riaz, and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz.

    Lady Justice Nicolas Davies, in her judgment against the appeal of Riaz and his son, wrote, “Whilst there has not been a criminal conviction against you I am satisfied on probabilities that you have been involved with corruption and financial/commercial misconduct.”

    “As a result, having regard to the UK’s commitment to combat corruption and financial crime, I believe that your exclusion from the UK is conducive to the public good due to your conduct, character, and associations,” wrote Justice Nicolas.

    The UK High court on Malik Riaz case cited, “The appellants [Malik Riaz and Ahmed Ali] have been involved with corruption and financial/commercial misconduct was founded on their involvement in the affairs of a company, Bahria Town. The company is wholly owned and run by the appellant’s family and is described as the largest property developer in Asia. At all relevant times, Mr Malik was the Chairman of Bahria Town, Mr Ali was the CEO.”

  • Bilal-Sajal’s ‘Khel Khel Mein’ brings back life to cinemas, mints 2.5 crores at the box-office

    Khel Khel Mein starring Bilal Abbas Khan and Sajal Aly became the first Pakistani film to release post the pandemic and it has brought the life back to cinemas which were witnessing a lull since the last two years.

    Based on the fall of Dhaka, the film has garnered good word of mouth from the public.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIprxEg5AQg

    The film has collected a total of 1.85 crores in its first week which considering the limited screens it got and being the first film to come out post the pandemic is a good enough result.

    Daily breakdown:

    Friday: 28lacs

    Saturday: 60lacs

    Sunday: 42lacs

    Monday: 14lacs

    Tuesday: 15lacs

    Wednesday: 14lacs

    Thursday: 12lacs

    Total:1.85 crore

    The numbers indicate two positive factors for the film, a massive jump on Saturday and it has maintained approximately 50% of Fridays collections on weekdays.

    The film opened in a few overseas markets and was able to collect a total of 65 lacs in the first week. With this the Nabeel Qureshi directorial currently stands at a total of 2.5 crores worldwide.

    With little competition in week two, the film is set to add more business in its Kitty. Even with moderate business, it will be remembered for starting the cinema going experience all over again.

    The leading lady of the film, Sajal exclusively told The Current about her experience of working in the film.

  • Malala’s husband, Asser Malik reveals where they first met

    Malala’s husband, Asser Malik reveals where they first met

    Nobel laureate and women’s education rights activist Malala Yousafzai’s husband Asser Malik revealed where the newlyweds first met. “The place we first met felt a little more special on Malala’s graduation day,” he wrote in an Instagram post while congratulating Malala on her graduation.

    Malala has graduated with degrees in philosophy, politics, and economics from the University of Oxford.

    Ziauddin Yousafzai also congratulated her daughter for “officially” graduating from the University of Oxford.

    Malala tied the knot with Asser Malik in a small intimate nikkah ceremony in Birmingham on November 9.

    Read more- ‘Precious day in my life’: Malala Yousafzai ties the knot

    Earlier Malala also opened up about how she met Malik. ““In the summer of 2018, Asser was visiting friends at Oxford and we crossed paths. He worked in cricket, so I immediately had a lot to discuss with him. He liked my sense of humour. We became best friends. We found we had common values and enjoyed each other’s company. We stood by each other in moments of happiness and disappointment. Through our individual ups and downs, we talked and listened to each other. And when words failed, I sent him a link to our horoscope compatibility, hoping the stars could help reinforce our connection,” Malala writes in the article.

    Read more- ‘I believe that I can enjoy friendship, love and equality in marriage’: Malala

    The couple made their second public appearance earlier this month on November 23, at the opening of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage musical, Cinderella.

  • West Indies announces squads for Pakistan, to play three ODIs, T20Is each

    West Indies announces squads for Pakistan, to play three ODIs, T20Is each

    The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squads for the Windies tour of Pakistan.

    The side will play three T20Is and the same number of ODIs at the National Stadium Karachi from December 13 to 22.

    Four uncapped players – Justin Greaves, Shamarh Brooks, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and fast-bowling all-rounder Odean Smith – are included in both squads.

    Smith and Motie are also selected in the T20I squad for the first time, along with left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Dominic Drakes.

    The ODI series will be West Indies’ fourth series of 12 in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League

    Squads

    ODIs

    Kieron Pollard (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Nicholas Pooran, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.

    T20Is

    Kieron Pollard (Captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.

  • ‘Utterly misogynistic’: Anger at Abrar ul Haq for posting video of minor girl getting ‘roti training’

    ‘Utterly misogynistic’: Anger at Abrar ul Haq for posting video of minor girl getting ‘roti training’

    Twitter users are angry at Abrar Ul Haq for posting a video of a girl making a roti. The singer turned politician posted a video of the girl on Twitter and wrote, “Right age for the training.”

    Twitter users have expressed their displeasure over the video. Some people are criticising it saying that the video is reinforcing patriarchal gender roles while others are criticising it for letting the girl go near a lit stove.

    Here is how people on Twitter are reacting :

    https://twitter.com/Stephanie_Waal/status/1464273846958182407

    Earlier, Abrar ul Haq faced backlash over his is song ‘Begum Shak Karti Ha’, which featured actor Saba Qamar. The song received criticism, with people calling it the copy of the children’s song ‘Baby Baby Shark’, which the singer earlier criticised.

    Read more- ‘Regressive, copied’: Abrar-ul-Haq criticised for song with Saba Qamar

    Abrar in August this year criticised young mothers for giving gadgets to children and sang Baby Shark at a convention to mark Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) three years performance.

    He said that when he was a child, mothers used to recite Kalima and nowadays, young mothers give mobile phones to their children, which play Baby Shark.

    Read more- Abrar-ul-Haq sings ‘Baby Shark’, critcises young mothers for giving gadgets in children’s hands