Author: newsdesk

  • Bangladesh cricket team reaches Lahore for Test series

    Bangladesh cricket team reaches Lahore for Test series

    Bangladesh cricket team has reached Lahore’s Allama Iqbal Airport to play two Test matches against Pakistan.

    They have been taken to a private hotel under tight security; per the schedule, the visiting team will rest today.

    The Bangladesh team will have their first training session at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on August 14. After three training days, they will leave for Islamabad on August 17.

    The first match of the series will start on August 21 in Rawalpindi, while the second test will begin on August 30 in Karachi.

  • Honda leads motorcycle sales, selling over 70,000 bikes in a month despite high prices

    Honda leads motorcycle sales, selling over 70,000 bikes in a month despite high prices

    Sales of motorcycles and three-wheelers in Pakistan rose by 15.5 per cent year-on-year in July 2024, reaching 84,993 units.

    This compares to 73,588 units sold during the same month last year, according to the latest data from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA).

    However, on a month-on-month basis, sales declined by 5.45 per cent, down from 89,895 units in June 2024.

    Production figures for motorcycles and three-wheelers showed a total of 85,516 units in July, marking an 11.55 per cent increase from 76,661 units produced in July 2023. Conversely, production fell by 2.65 per cent compared to the 87,844 units manufactured in June 2024.

    Honda remained the market leader with 70,255 units sold in July, capturing an 82.66 per cent market share. This represents a 12.4 per cent decrease from the previous month but a 13.29 per cent increase compared to July 2023.

    United Auto Motorcycle and Suzuki ranked second and third, with sales of 9,202 and 1,643 units, respectively.

    Sazgar Three Wheeler sold 1,624 units in July, reflecting a 10.67 per cent decrease from the previous month but a significant 113.4 per cent increase compared to July 2023.

  • Shehbaz Sharif announces one million smartphones for students on merit

    Shehbaz Sharif announces one million smartphones for students on merit

    Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has announced to give smartphones to one million students on merit.

    According to Sama, Shehbaz Sharif, while giving the good news, said, “The students will be given smartphones and laptops. We will send students to China for higher education in agriculture. Immediately after August 14, I will announce a five-year program, 2 lakh youth will be given annual free Information Technology (IT) training.”

    He also clapped for Arshad Nadeem from the Prime Minister Youth Program.

  • Defiance in Hijab: Olympian Sifan covers head to receive gold medal

    Defiance in Hijab: Olympian Sifan covers head to receive gold medal

    Marathon gold medalist Sifan Hassan, a Dutch of Ethiopian descent, accepted her Olympic gold medal wearing a hijab.

    It was Sifan’s third medal in Paris. She was competing in the 5,000m, the 10,000m and the marathon – the last two events just two days apart.

    On Friday, Hassan took bronze in the 10,000m in the Stade de France after coming away with a bronze in the 5,000m.

    “It was not easy,” said Hassan, 31. “It was so hot, but I was feeling OK. I’ve never pushed myself through to the finish line as I did today,” Sifan said.

    France has been criticised during the Olympics for prohibiting athletes from wearing hijab while competing.

    Athletes from other countries, like Egypt, have worn hijabs while playing. For several years, apparel makers have designed hijabs that function well for competition, which has eliminated one argument that had been used by some detractors.

    Hassan’s presence at the ceremony was not a direct reaction to the French rule, but it is a reminder of a position taken by France that has been widely criticised.

  • A Pakistan First: Secure Construction-Linked Property Payment Plan in DHA Islamabad

    A Pakistan First: Secure Construction-Linked Property Payment Plan in DHA Islamabad

    Islamabad — One Homes, a leading British investment group that builds tailor-made luxury properties for overseas Pakistanis has announced another Pakistan first: the first-ever construction-linked payment plan.

    The construction-linked payment plan addresses the specific pain points of overseas Pakistani property investors, providing greater transparency and security. By implementing these measures, One Homes plans to empower clients to confidently make property investments in their Motherland, assuring their financial interests are protected.

    On this occasion, Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes, commented on the new offering and its purpose, “We understand the hesitation many overseas buyers experience when purchasing property in Pakistan. Over the years, our sole focus and our company ethos have been to cater to their requirements, from our five-star branded hotel apartments in Islamabad to our luxurious resort-style destinations.”

    He added, “The introduction of Pakistan’s first construction-linked payment plan is a testament to our commitment to providing safe and secure property investment in Pakistan. This latest initiative is meant to create a trustworthy environment where investors feel their financial interests are secure as they establish a deeper connection with their Motherland.”

    Another feature of the smart homes tailor-made for overseas buyers is the single suites with ensuite bedrooms and multifunctional spaces, catering to the dynamic needs of modern families. Both features are industry firsts in Pakistan’s property market, offering overseas investors upscale properties that combine the charm of Pakistan with contemporary facilities.

    Located in DHA Phase 3 an area which is benefitting from major infrastructure investments including the Islamabad Expressway and DHA interchange that have halved travel times to the city centre. Property prices in the area have increased by over 153.87% in the last 4 years according to official data released. 

    The development is adjacent to the newly established Roots Ivy International University and minutes away from the soon-to-be-opened Dolmen Mall City, Pakistan’s premier shopping destination, and a championship golf course. Along with that, it is bordered by the Takht Pari National Forest, giving it a touch of natural beauty and tranquillity.

    One Homes is committed to upholding international standards in services, amenities, and living, a hallmark across their projects. They each feature state-of-the-art fitness centres, infinity pools, and bespoke concierge services.With projects valued at $435 million in Pakistan, including developments like One Canal Road in Lahore and the recently launched Amaya Panoramas in Islamabad, One Homes is poised to put Pakistan’s real estate on the map.

  • Did Kumar Sanu sing a song for Imran Khan?

    Did Kumar Sanu sing a song for Imran Khan?

    Bollywood singer Kumar Sanu, who has worked his magic in countless films in the past, has refused to sing for Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    The Indian singer released an explanatory statement on Instagram, in which he denied singing a song for Imran Khan. Sanu shared a screenshot of a news article published in Indian media that had a fact check and stated that he did not sing for Khan.

    “I want to clarify that I have never sung any song for the former Prime Minister of Pakistan,” he wrote. “The audio circulating on Facebook is not mine but is generated with the help of AI (artificial intelligence). Some people are trying to defame me, so I want to tell my fans this. The news (song) is fake; it is a lie.”

    He requested that the Government of India take immediate steps to stop the misuse of AI and the use of fake technology. On July 26, a user shared a video on Facebook in which Kumar Sanu was singing a song at a concert for the release of former Prime Minister Imran.

  • Pakistan Army arrests former spy master Faiz Hameed in Top City Case

    Pakistan Army arrests former spy master Faiz Hameed in Top City Case

    The Pakistan Army has arrested former spy master Lt General Faiz Hameed (Retd) in the Top City Case.

    He has been accused of abuse of power by the owner of Top City Housing Society, Mueez Ahmad Khan.
    The army has issued a statement that an inquiry was conducted into the complaints in compliance with the order of Pakistan’s Supreme Court (SC).

    The military’s media wing stated that appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated after the investigation into Faiz Hameed, the former Chief of Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI).

    ISPR said that, ”several incidents of violation of the Army Act have also come to light after Faiz Hameed’s retirement and the process of Field General Court Martial has also been started”.

  • Resham breaks silence: ‘Syed Noor destroyed my career’

    Resham breaks silence: ‘Syed Noor destroyed my career’

    Renowned actress Resham has leveled serious allegations against director Syed Noor, saying that he ruined her film career.

    Resham, a well-known name in Pakistani cinema, started her acting career on TV and starred in popular films like ‘Jeeva’ and ‘Sangam.’ Although she was successful early on, Resham stepped back from acting in recent years to focus more on charity work.

    During an appearance on ‘Excuse Me’ podcast with Ahmed Ali Butt Resham talked about her career and Pakistani cinema, saying, “I recently heard Syed Noor say that I was an unfortunate actress because I ruined myself by working in low-budget films.”

    Resham defended her choices, saying that every actor does both good and bad projects. “Show me any actor who has only done good work. We all have ups and downs, but everyone thinks only Resham made bad films,” she said.

    She also accused Noor of betraying her professionally, especially after he fell in love with actress Saima, whom he then cast repeatedly in his movies. “Syed Noor was the only director who understood my acting, but he stopped giving me roles because of his feelings for Saima Ji,” she explained.

    She strongly stated, “By God, Syed Noor ruined my career. He insulted me on set, asking who would cast me in their films.”

  • Regime change ‘America’ ki sazish hai, Shiekh Hasina

    Regime change ‘America’ ki sazish hai, Shiekh Hasina

    Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister (PM) Shiekh Hasina has accused the US of being involved in the regime change in Bangladesh.
    According to NDTV, before leaving the country, Hasina wanted to address the nation but couldn’t because protestors stormed her official residence.

    Hasina shared details of her undelivered speech with close associates in India.
    A letter accessed by NDTV reveals, “I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it’’.
    Hasina wrote that she could have remained in power if she had “surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal.”

    “I beseech the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals.”

    It also further added: “Maybe if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength and did not want me, so I left. I have lost, but the people of Bangladesh have won, the people for whom my father and my family died’’.