Author: newsdesk

  • ‘Will not increase electricity tariffs, told IMF,’ says Tarin

    ‘Will not increase electricity tariffs, told IMF,’ says Tarin

    The Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin predicted that the economy of Pakistan would grow by six per cent as the incumbent government has dealt with COVID-19 in a better way.

    “Growth rate is projected at five percent this year and would move further upwards to six percent during the next fiscal year. The government has developed short and long-term plans to achieve the target,” Tarin said while addressing a virtual press conference.

    “The government of Pakistan is doing long-term planning not just to stabilise the economy but to push economic growth,” he added.

    The strategy is divided into short, medium, and long-term planning for almost 12 sectors, and the plan will be presented to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan for approval by the end of May. Shaukat Tarin made these strategies after taking over again as finance minister.

    In addition, Pakistan is going through food scarcity and has to import from outside. Tarin blamed the lack of agriculture industry behind food shortage.

    By paying attention and taking action against people who are profiting and hoarding food, these issues are addressable. “We will tackle this through the creation of strategic reserves and dump food wherever people try to profit,” Tarin said.

    On the financial sector, he said that we will bring more people into the tax net. Besides, people should be encouraged to deposit money into banks so it could be used productively, and the money can be spent on all provinces rather than “nine cities”.

    While responding to a question about power tariffs, he said the government would not increase tariffs to prevent further burden on the people, and the same would follow for taxes.

    He said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had been told that money would instead be collected through other “innovative ways” and he had “full hope” that the IMF would give space.

    He also explained that Pakistan had fulfilled most of the Financial Action Task Force’s conditions with one or two “transactional items” left so he said the government was hopeful of a favourable response in the meeting in June.

  • ‘I’m heartbroken,’ says Afridi after being ruled out of PSL

    ‘I’m heartbroken,’ says Afridi after being ruled out of PSL

    Shahid Afridi has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) sixth edition’s remaining matches in Abu Dhabi due to a back injury.

    The former Pakistan captain was training in Karachi for the upcoming PSL6 matches when he experienced pain in his lower back following which he was examined by a doctor who has advised him a complete rest.

    “While training for the remainder of the HBL Pakistan Super League 6, I felt lower back pain and had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team Multan Sultans,” shared Afridi on social media.

    He wrote: “I am heartbroken [but] my support & prayers are with the team to take the trophy.”

    Afridi, who appeared in four Karachi-leg matches, has been replaced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s left-arm-spinner Asif Afridi who would be joining the Sultans squad in Abu Dhabi.

    Meanwhile, Islamabad United have roped in left-handed batsman Umar Amin and West Indies opener Brandon King. The latest additions mean they have now had a complete 20-player squad.

    As per reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to restart PSL6 on June 5 in Abu Dhabi. Players are to serve 10-day quarantine in UAE.

  • ICC trolled for showing Waqar Younis as Indian player

    ICC trolled for showing Waqar Younis as Indian player

    Netizens are trolling International Cricket Council (ICC) for a major blunder, showing Waqar Younis as Indian player in Hall of Fame graphics which celebrates the career of the former Pakistani pacer.

    The graphic arrives within five seconds of the video that shows a picture of Waqar in his follow through alongside a brief summary of his international career.

    Even though ICC changed the same after being called out, however, the fans were quick to react and criticise the Council’s media and social media team for the error.

    https://twitter.com/daniel86cricket/status/1396729364285378561?s=24
    https://twitter.com/kiran_aman567/status/1396737862851256322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1396737862851256322%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news18.com%2Fcricketnext%2Fnews%2Ficc-trolled-for-major-blunder-hall-of-fame-graphic-shows-waqar-younis-as-india-player-3770612.html

    https://twitter.com/kiran_aman567/status/1396737862851256322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1396737862851256322%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news18.com%2Fcricketnext%2Fnews%2Ficc-trolled-for-major-blunder-hall-of-fame-graphic-shows-waqar-younis-as-india-player-3770612.html
    https://twitter.com/kiran_aman567/status/1396744160821055489?s=19

    Former Pakistan captain Waqar was inducted into ICC Hall of Fame in 2013. Born in Vehari, he led Pakistan cricket team in 17 Tests and 62 ODIs.

    “It is a huge honour and privilege to be in the same category as icons like Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan and Javed Miandad. I grew up hearing about their exploits and then ended up playing with the latter two, as well as with Wasim Akram,” Waqar had said after the announcement.

    “To be in the august company of some of the greatest players the game has ever seen is personally quite exciting for me. A big, heartfelt thanks from me to all the living members of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and those from the voting academy, who thought me worthy of this.”

    Meanwhile, Waqar also thanked the ICC on Twitter for honouring him.

  • VIDEO: Pakistani cricketers praise Fahad Mustafa’s batting skills

    VIDEO: Pakistani cricketers praise Fahad Mustafa’s batting skills

    Pakistani cricketers including Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq and legendary former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar have praised Fahad Mustafa for his exceptional batting skills after he posted a video of himself playing spectacular drives in nets.

    Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz invited Fahad to come with them to Abu Dhabi as they prepare for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six remainder.

    “Bhi wah wah Fahad bhai, sath aajaye aap be Abu Dhabi,” wrote Sarfaraz.

    On the other hand, Akhtar jokingly said, “Fahad, you are in the wrong profession.” He continued by saying that he wants Fahad to play for the Pakistan cricket team, however, first, he has to face the world’s fastest pacer in nets.

    Replying to Akhtar, Fahad said: “Na Karen won’t be able to sleep for sometime.”

    Imam also commented on Fahad’s video, saying: “Masha Allah Sadkay.”

  • Bangladesh drops ‘except Israel’ from passports

    Bangladesh drops ‘except Israel’ from passports

    The Bangladeshi passport had a note written on it that said it was acceptable for travel to all countries of the world except Israel.

    But a few months ago, Bangladesh dropped the words “except Israel” from the new electronic passports.

    Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen confirmed the country’s support for the struggle of Palestinians and condemned the Israeli aggression against civilians.

    Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said the words “except Israel” have been withdrawn from the passports for “administrative convenience”.

    “This move will not affect our position . We are strong supporters of Palestine,” said Momen.

    Gilad Cohen, the Israeli foreign ministry’s deputy director-general for Asia and the Pacific, said on Twitter: “Great news! #Bangladesh has removed travel ban to Israel. This is a welcome step.”

    The Bangladeshi foreign ministry statement, however, clarified that the removal of the observation has been done to maintain global standards.

    “The ban on travel of Bangladeshi passport holders to Israel remains unchanged. The Government of Bangladesh has not deviated from its position on Israel and Bangladesh remains firm on its long-standing position in this regard,” it added.

  • Pakistani celebs laud Dua Lipa for clapping back at NYT

    Pakistani celebrities including Ahsan Khan, Ali Rehman Khan and Ayesha Omar has appreciated Dua Lipa for clapping back at New York Times for accusing her of anti-Semitism.

    “I utterly reject the false and appalling allegations that were published today in the New York Times advertisement taken out by the worlds value network,” wrote Dua.

    “This is the price you pay for defending Palestinian human rights against an Israeli government whose actions in Palestine, both Human Rights Watch and the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem accuse of persecution and discrimination,”  she added.

    “I take this stance because I believe that everyone — Jews, Muslims and Christians have the right to live in peace as equal citizens of a state they choose,” she continued.

    Dua Lipa further wrote: “The World Values Network are shamelessly using my name to advance their ugly campaign with falsehoods and blatant misrepresentations of who I am and what I stand for.”

    “I stand in solidarity with all oppressed people and reject all forms of racism.”

    Dua Lipa, also shared the same statement on her Instagram story and Pakistani celebrities lauded her for slamming New York Times over the accusations.

    Ayesha Omar said that legal action needs to be taken against New York Times for the accusations.

    Ahsan Khan shared the statement, with the caption, “Love Her”.

    Ali Rehman Khan along with re-sharing the story also re-shared the screenshot of the advertisement published by NYT and wrote, “This Disgusting AD is a clear example of those “Deep Pockets”.

  • Daren Sammy shares Shoaib Akhtar made me question myself ‘whether I wanted to play cricket again’

    Daren Sammy shares Shoaib Akhtar made me question myself ‘whether I wanted to play cricket again’

    West Indies cricket great Daren Sammy has shared that Shoaib Akhtar made him question himself on his debut that whether he wanted to play cricket again or not.

    Read more – Daren Sammy spotted enjoying ‘Pakistan’s beauty’ in Swat

    In an exclusive interview with The Current, Sammy shared many things about his experience with Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi, Pakistan’s tour and hospitality, PSL memories and his debut.

    Talking about his first encounter with Akhtar, he said: “When I made my debut for the West Indies in the Champions Trophy, I remember Pakistan playing West Indies at the Rose Bowl in Hampshire and they were opening with Mohammad Sami, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.”

    “I saw Shoaib Akhtar bowling a bouncer to Brian Lara and hit him in the head. Brian Lara fell back probably almost unconscious. I was sitting and I was 19 years old next to Dwayne Bravo. I literally questioned whether I wanted to play cricket again. Shoaib Akhtar did that to me,” said Sammy.

    The former all-rounder further revealed that he told this story to Shoaib Akhtar himself a few days ago in Islamabad.

    “I met him four days ago in Islamabad and I gave him that story. He said ‘Brian clipped him for four on the first ball’ and I guess that was his response. It was a joy to watch the Rawalpindi Express coming down with his hair flying. Shoaib Akhtar with his pace. In the current day, even though I am not playing I would pad up easily against any bowler and try to hit them out of the park,” he said.

    Sammy further revealed that players touring Pakistan now ask about golf courses instead of questioning the security situation of the country.

    Peshawar’s coach stated that bringing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to Pakistan was the first step that paved the way for cricket’s revival in the country.

    “I am not sure [when West Indies will visit Pakistan next], I have not checked the calendar. But I think we were about to a year before last year. I think now the teams are coming. I remember us taking a small step in the PSL two and getting to the finals in Lahore. I think that was a small step in the right direction,” Sammy said.

    Read more – VIDEO: Daren Sammy plays tape ball on the streets of Lahore

    He believed that the questions regarding security are slowly diminishing from players’ minds while visiting Pakistan.

    “Now Hashim Amla and I were having a conversation and I think Javed asks what the difference is between now and five years ago. I think the major difference coming to Pakistan now, four years ago players would be calling me and go ‘Darren, I am going over there [Pakistan], do you think we should go?’ When West Indies was coming the captain had to call me and go, ‘Man should I go on this tour?’. Now players asking where they can play golf and questions like can we go to dinner in these or these places. The quote-unquote threat of security, that is slowly diminishing from people’s minds and I think that is what we want,” he concluded.

    Talking about his favourite memory from the PSL, Sammy shared that his favourite memory was when they clinched the the cup in the second season of PSL.

    For more interesting revelations, watch the video here:

  • Accountability to continue without any discrimination: PM Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Sunday said that he will not be blackmailed by anyone, adding that even if the government has to dissolve, the process of accountability will continue.

    According to sources, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar informed the PM about his meeting with the Tareen Group after which it was decided that the just demands of the group would be accepted.

    PM Khan, according to a source, told the party leaders that he will not let Jahangir Tareen get away if he is involved in the sugar scam.

    The meeting also discussed the Azad Kashmir elections and Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur briefed the committee about the amendments in the relevant laws.

    The premier stressed that in order to make the process of elections fair and transparent, seeking technological assistance in the form of electronic voting is essential. He said that in the next elections, electronic voting will ensure that rigging does not take place.

    PM Imran said immediate steps should be taken to remove obstacles in the issuance of long-term visas to foreign investors, especially Chinese investors, and consider introducing a separate category for those involved in the CPEC project.

    The prime minister said that CPEC was not only a harbinger of economic growth for Pakistan, but also a path to development for the entire region.

  • Indian couple gets married on plane to avoid COVID restrictions

    Indian couple gets married on plane to avoid COVID restrictions

    Following a drastic increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, India has imposed a strict lockdown to curb the virus spread hindering the plans of those who had organised traditional and fancy Indian weddings.

    A couple hailing from Tamil Nadu did not bother even for a raging pandemic and seems to have decided nothing would stand in the way of their special day.

    Rakesh and Dakshina bucked restrictions in their home state to charter a SpiceJet flight from Madurai to Bangalore, along with over a hundred guests, so they could get married in mid-air with all their relatives and friends.

    The couple reportedly waited until the aircraft was flying over the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple to bless their union.

    India Today reported that the couple had actually tied the knot in a private ceremony held earlier, but decided to host a ceremony onboard an aircraft to make their big day ‘memorable’.

    Read more – Bride marries wedding guest after groom-to-be ‘disappears’

    The couple claimed that all passengers on board were their relatives who had taken the COVID-19 test and presented negative test results.

    An airport director confirmed to ANI that a SpiceJet chartered flight had been booked from Madurai but said officials were unaware of the mid-air marriage ceremony.

  • Former Israeli defense minister shows Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital as Hamas headquarters

    Former Israeli defense minister shows Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital as Hamas headquarters

    Israel’s former defence minister Naftali Bennett, in a video posted to YouTube on the Gaza situation, referred to Pakistan’s Shifa International Hospital as Hamas Headquarters where the Al-Qassam Brigade of Hamas has been operating.

    “Ever heard of Shifa Hospital? It is the largest medical complex in Gaza. It’s also where Hamas’ headquarters is located while they are conducting terror actions against Israel”, he explained while showing a picture of the Shifa Hospital building in the background.

    Read more – Gaza’s largest bookshop destroyed by Israeli airstrikes

    Shifa International Hospital is a care healthcare facility in Islamabad providing medical services to local as well as international patient communities for over 25 years.

    Social media users soon started calling out the ex-minister for the blunder.