Author: newsdesk

  • Audit report reveals illegal hiring in PTA causing over Rs45 million loss

    Audit report reveals illegal hiring in PTA causing over Rs45 million loss

    The Auditor General of Pakistan’s annual audit report for 2023-2024 has revealed significant irregularities in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), leading to a loss of over Rs 45million, Samaa reported.

    The report stated that illegal recruitment in the PTA during financial year 2022-23, including two assistant directors and one IT officer, took place without the presence of any relevant job posts.

    Generally, government job vacancies appear as advertisements in the newspapers but most recruitments in the PTA did not adhere to established criteria.

    The audit report highlighted that the PTA has paid Rs 45.9 million in salaries and perks to these alleged illegal recruitments.

  • Students ‘inciting violence’ can face cancellation of their identity cards, passports

    Students ‘inciting violence’ can face cancellation of their identity cards, passports

    The Interior Ministry has announced that strict measures will be taken against students involved in or promoting violent activities, including their names being added to the Fourth Schedule.

    According to Section 11EE of the ATA, the Fourth Schedule is to include “any person who is an activist, office-bearer or an associate of an organisation kept under observation … or proscribed … or … affiliated with any group or organisation suspected to be involved in terrorism or sectarianism.”

    If an individual’s name is added to the Fourth Schedule, many of his/her constitutional rights are suspended, such as the cancellation of the identity cards and passports, prohibition from leaving their city, and denial of character certificates from any educational institution.

    The notification issued by the Interior Ministry emphasised that departments should be ready for action against potential troublemakers, The News reported.

    Last week, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced that it would launch a movement for the restoration of the Constitution and revival of the student unions in the country.

  • Pakistan will get $500 million from Islamic Bank to purchase crude oil

    Pakistan will get $500 million from Islamic Bank to purchase crude oil

    Pakistan has secured a $500 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to purchase crude oil from the international market. The loan will be provided in installments throughout the fiscal year 2024-25.

    The Nation has reported that Pakistan will receive $100 million from the IDB in the first quarter of FY2024-25, followed by $150 million in the second quarter. The remaining $25 million will be distributed equally in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year.

    It may be recalled that Pakistan was assured of $3.6 billion by the IDB at the Geneva Donor Conference held last year.

    Meanwhile, oil prices rose for a fifth consecutive session on Monday, extending gains from last week’s more than 3 percent rise, as US recession fears eased while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East supported prices.

    Brent crude futures climbed 28 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $79.94 a barrel by 0635 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 42 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $77.26.

    IG Markets analyst Tony Sycamore said that the rise in oil prices to improve US economic data from last week, which raised concerns about a potential US recession. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have contributed to the rising pressure on oil prices.

  • UAE ka visa nahin lag raha? Your social media activism might be why you’re unable to go to Dubai

    UAE ka visa nahin lag raha? Your social media activism might be why you’re unable to go to Dubai

    There were rumours that getting a visa to Dubai was become harder and its possible that it’s true. What’s more shocking is that it might also include your comments on social media.

    Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi, the Consul General of the UAE in Karachi, explained why some Pakistanis might have trouble getting visas to the Gulf country.

    In an interview on Geo News’ program “Geo Pakistan,” he said, “Anything shared or liked on social media in Pakistan or the UAE can affect your visa application. Even if you share or like something positive or negative, it could lead to your visa being denied or your application being banned.”

    “The Gulf nation has warned Pakistani expats living there not to spread negative information about the country, its institutions, or its politicians. Many Pakistanis have been arrested, and five of them have been sentenced to 14 to 15 years in prison,” said Dr. Bakheet.

    He said, “The UAE government wants people to leave their home country’s issues and politics behind when they come to the UAE. They’ve been trying to make the Pakistani community aware of this. The UAE checks visa applicants’ social media activity and advises people to be careful about what they post online, as it can affect their visa chances.”

    When asked if social media accounts like Instagram, Facebook, and X could affect visa approvals, he confirmed they could. He warned people not to speak negatively about their home country or discuss topics that might cause trouble in the UAE.

    When asked about a set number of visas, the consul general said, “There wasn’t a fixed quota. The Gulf country had given out 70,000 work visas to Pakistanis in the past year and a half.”

    He also mentioned that the Pakistani business community is getting support in the UAE. He praised the work of Pakistani expats in construction and encouraged Pakistani youth to focus on IT and AI, as there are many job opportunities in these areas in the UAE.

    Last month, Secretary Overseas Pakistanis, Dr Arshad told the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that many countries have issues with Pakistanis. He highlighted that the Pakistani community is known for having a poor work ethic and that they are linked to 50 per cent of all crime in the UAE.

  • Heartbroken Indian Fans Pay Tribute to Haniya Aslam

    Heartbroken Indian Fans Pay Tribute to Haniya Aslam

    Indian fans are expressing deep sorrow and paying heartfelt tributes to renowned musician Haniya Aslam, who recently passed away. The news of her death has resonated deeply across borders, touching the hearts of many in India who admired her work.

    Aslam, best known for her role in the iconic duo Zeb-Haniya, had a significant impact on music lovers worldwide. In India, her unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds won her many admirers. Fans have taken to social media to share their condolences and celebrate her remarkable contributions to music.

    Messages from Indian fans highlight their grief and admiration, reflecting the profound influence Haniya had on the music scene. Her legacy continues to inspire, and her loss is felt deeply by those who followed her career and cherished her artistry.

    Check the tweet below:

  • Is WhatsApp dead in Pakistan?

    Is WhatsApp dead in Pakistan?

    Have you been experiencing difficulties using social media platforms, especially WhatsApp, over the past several days?

    Social media users across Pakistan have been struggling with slow internet speeds, affecting video calls, downloads, and messaging.

    According to Downdetector.pk, a real-time monitoring service for internet and social media outages, there have been reports of slow service for WhatsApp and Instagram since last Friday in cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Faisalabad.

    In July, users also faced issues with Instagram and WhatsApp. One possible reason for these disruptions is the testing of a new firewall intended to block certain content on various social media platforms.

  • ‘Interviews have begun for technocratic setup,’ Sheikh Rasheed claims

    ‘Interviews have begun for technocratic setup,’ Sheikh Rasheed claims

    Former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has claimed that a technocratic setup may take over by September 20 this year because “interviews have begun.”

    Rasheed, while talking to the media outside Adiala Jail, lamented, “It has been two years and 14 cases have been filed against me, but I’ve received no challans yet.”

    The former Interior Minister described his feelings saying, “They said I’ve lost 40kg weight. I never thought the Gate No 4 people would pick me up. The police took our women’s jewellery, my watches and shoes too.”

    He requested the people with whom he had a “decades long relation” and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to declare amnesty.

    Sheikh Rasheed further stated, “August 31 is significant; the government is packing its bags. Technocratic government can come by September 20, and whatever happens, it will be bad.”

  • Government to introduce 5-year economic plan under supervision of British economist Stefan Dercon

    Government to introduce 5-year economic plan under supervision of British economist Stefan Dercon

    A five-year economic plan for the development of Pakistan’s struggling economy has been prepared under the supervision of Belgian-British economist Stefan Dercon. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to launch it on August 14.

    Geo News reported that the proposed economic plan has been named the Stefan Dercon plan. It contains target of 6 percent annual economic growth target by 2028.

    The ambitious plan also emphasises on structural reforms to take the export target to $60 billion by 2028.

    The proposed plan prioritises the promotion of private investment and the increase in exports. The successful implementation of reforms is estimated to create one million employment opportunities annually.

    According to the Dercon Plan, the proposed plan’s results would be fairly visible by 2028, one year after the IMF programme ends.

    “The failure of structural reforms for growth in Pakistan is not due to a lack of ideas, but a lack of political will to implement these reforms,” warns the draft report.

    It also warns that Pakistan won’t get chances like this; therefore, the opportunity must not be wasted.

  • Pakistani celebrities pay heartfelt tributes to Haniya Aslam

    Pakistani celebrities pay heartfelt tributes to Haniya Aslam

    Pakistani celebrities are deeply saddened by the passing of renowned musician Haniya Aslam. Many have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes, remembering her immense talent and the lasting impact she had on the music industry.

    Her legacy, particularly as one-half of the iconic duo Zeb-Haniya, has been fondly recalled by fans and fellow artists alike. The outpouring of love and condolences reflects the deep loss felt by all who knew and admired her.

    Check the tweets below:

  • Pakistani mountaineer who risked his life to save others dies in rescue operation

    Pakistani mountaineer who risked his life to save others dies in rescue operation

    Pakistani mountaineer Murad Sadpara, who saved the lives of others by risking his life, has died in an expedition after being hit on the head eith a rock.

    He succumbed to his injuries on the night between Saturday and Sunday. The Broad Peak Rescue Team confirmed the death. The body will be brought to base camp today.

    He brought down a mountaineer’s body from last week’s summit and was also leading a clean-up campaign. He has climbed four mountains, including K2.