Author: newsdesk

  • Bangladesh bans Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, other social media platforms

    Bangladesh bans Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, other social media platforms

    The government of Bangladesh has put a nationwide ban on Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, and other social media owned by Meta, as well as YouTube, Global Eye News confirmed on X (Formerly Twitter).

    This follows a previous shutdown of Meta’s platforms, like Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, from July 17 to July 31 due to protests about quota reforms.

    Mobile internet was first turned off on July 17, and broadband was shut down on July 18. Broadband services started working again after five days, on July 23, while mobile networks stayed off for ten days and were turned back on July 28.

    This new shutdown was announced shortly after Turkey banned Instagram.

  • What is the government’s new name for the TTP?

    What is the government’s new name for the TTP?

    Journalist Iftikhar Firdous has posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Pakistan’s interior ministry has ordered all government officials to use the term “Fitna al Khawarij” (FaK) for the banned terrorist organisation Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in all official documents.

    According to the notification issued by the interior ministry, TTP has tried to damage Islam by distorting its image.

    Historically, the Kharijites were an Islamic sect which emerged during the first civil war, called the First Fitna, in the Islamic community.

    The website Islamqa.info defines Khawarij as followers of whims and desires who have deviated from the path of Sunnat.

    Social media reacted sarcastically to this government decision.

  • PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to bring electricity prices down

    PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to bring electricity prices down

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing electricity bills amid ongoing protests across Pakistan over soaring power costs.

    Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Friday, PM Shehbaz emphasised that the issue of electricity tariffs should not be politicised, describing such actions as an insult to the public.

    PM Shehbaz’s comments come in response to widespread demonstrations led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and other groups. Protesters, who have rallied in various cities and blocked major roads, are demanding the removal of taxes that have contributed to a significant increase in electricity bills.

    The escalating energy costs have particularly burdened low- and middle-income households.

    Despite negotiations between the government and protest leaders, there has been no indication that their demands will be met. JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has stated that the party is prepared to maintain its protests to oppose the government’s stance on rising electricity prices.

    The federal government implemented a 26 per cent increase in electricity rates for the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30. On July 13, an additional 20 per cent hike was introduced, compounding the financial strain on consumers already grappling with high inflation.

    Experts have suggested that no immediate reduction in electricity prices is expected due to the government’s reliance on energy and petroleum products as sources of revenue.

    During the cabinet meeting, Sharif acknowledged the financial burden on the salaried class, revealing that the government has allocated Rs50 billion to support consumers through July, August, and September.

    Additionally, he noted that the government has reduced electricity costs for industries by Rs8.5 per unit and continues to protect consumers using up to 200 units of electricity.

    Sharif emphasised that while some taxation is necessary, excessive tax burdens on taxpayers are not justified.

  • We’ll win next time: Five out of seven Pakistani athletes out of the Olympics

    We’ll win next time: Five out of seven Pakistani athletes out of the Olympics

    One more Pakistani athletes has been eliminated from the Paris Olympics, after Faiqa Riaz was eliminated from the women’s 100-meter race.

    Faiqa, who set a new national record of 11.70 seconds at the National Athletics Championship, finished sixth out of nine athletes at the Olympics, covering the distance in 12.49 seconds.

    Earlier, Pakistani swimmers Jehanara Nabi and Ahmed Durrani and shooters Kishmala Talat and Joseph Gulfam were eliminated.

  • Gold price hits all-time high of Rs257,300 after Rs2,400 surge per tola

    Gold price hits all-time high of Rs257,300 after Rs2,400 surge per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan soared to a record high following remarks from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who suggested that an interest rate cut might be considered as early as September.

    The price of 24-karat gold surged by Rs2,400, reaching Rs257,300 per tola. On the international stage, spot gold prices climbed to around $2,460 per ounce, marking a 3 per cent increase for the week.

    Powell, speaking at a press conference after the Fed’s decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate, indicated that if economic data remains favourable, the central bank could potentially reduce interest rates during its next meeting on September 17-18.

    In Pakistan, 24-karat gold has risen by Rs37,300 per tola, or 17 per cent, since the start of the year. This compares to a 24.5 per cent gain in the country’s key stock index over the same period.

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported the price of 24-karat gold at Rs220,593 per 10-gramme, up by Rs2,057. Additionally, 22-karat gold was priced at Rs202,210 per 10-gramme.

    Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market remained stable, with 24-karat silver selling for Rs2,900 per tola and Rs2,486 per 10-gramme.

  • Google chrome introduces three new AI features

    Google chrome introduces three new AI features

    Google Chrome has introduced three new features based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

    These three features are being introduced for the desktop version of Google Chrome.

    First feature is Google Lens in Chrome, which has been modified so that it can be used for image search. You need to click an item on a web page clicking on the lens icon tool in Chrome, details related to it will be shown on the side panel.

    In the side panel, users will be able to use multi-search for color, brand and other details and get answers to their queries through Google Gemini.

    Chrome is also introducing a feature called Tab Compare, which will combine tabs of multiple items into one window and provide a brief explanation of each item with the help of AI. This feature will be helpful for online shopping as users will be able to see the price and other details of items from different companies at one place.

    Third feature will help you search for anything. For example, you can search for ‘Best biryani in DHA | In the last two weeks,” and it will show results from the last two weeks.

    All three features will be available to users in the US first, in the coming weeks, but Google hasn’t confirmed it for other countries.

  • TLP’s Pir Zaheerul Hassan Shah still at large as police continues hunt

    TLP’s Pir Zaheerul Hassan Shah still at large as police continues hunt

    The News has said that previous media reports of arrests of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) vice emir Pir Zaheerul Hassan Shah turned out to be not true as the police are struggling to arrest him.

    Reportedly, Shah has fled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since late Monday when the government tightened the noose around TLP leaders for targeting the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa.

    “We have zeroed in on the cleric. We are not far from getting a hand on him,” said an official to The News.

    Previously, the culprit had announced a head-money of Rs10 million on Qazi Faez Isa in reaction to a decision of a three-member bench in the Mubarak Sani case.

    Meanwhile, FIRs have been filed against more than 1500 TLP members across the Punjab province after the government took a firm stance against the right wing religious party.

  • WATCH: Fans think Sardar Kamal knew about his death

    WATCH: Fans think Sardar Kamal knew about his death

    The last interview of renowned Pakistani actor and comedian Sardar Kamal has gone viral on social media following his sudden passing on July 30 in Lahore.

    In the interview, Kamal, who died after a heart attack, shared a touching gesture he made for his son, revealing that he had recently transferred the ownership of his house to him. He told his son, “Hold this in trust. My father gave it to me, and now I’m passing it on to you.” Kamal advised his son to continue this tradition, stating, “In the future, you will pass this trust on to your children. What happens next is up to you.” He explained that property is a family trust, emphasizing its importance: “These lands and properties are trusts. Today, I’ve given them to my son, and tomorrow, he will give them to his children. This cycle will continue.”

    Fans have speculated that Kamal may have had a premonition of his death, as the interview was completed shortly before his passing.

    Friends from the entertainment industry, including those who worked with him on Mazaqarat, have shared their sorrow and admiration for the comedian. Lollywood actor Muhammad Afzal Rambo said, “My relationship with Kamal was like that of a friend and a brother. He will always live in the hearts of people. Our bond goes back to 1991. He was a great artist and a wonderful person.”

    Actress Resham described him as a great human being, noting, “When I last saw him on Mazaqarat, he was very happy, and it brightened my day to see him. I worked with him on many films and dramas. I pray for him.”

    Fan reactions
    “I love him more than anything. Even though he was a comedian, his funny remarks on Mazaqarat always had a message,” one fan wrote on Instagram.
    “I usually don’t watch TV shows, but when I found out Sardar Kamal was on Mazaqarat, I started watching it. I’m a regular follower of his official YouTube channel,” another fan posted.

    These heartfelt messages from Kamal’s friends and fans highlight the deep respect and affection they had for him, celebrating his legacy and the joy he brought to their lives.

  • ‘Beep Pakistan’ should not be compared to WhatsApp, says government

    ‘Beep Pakistan’ should not be compared to WhatsApp, says government

    Minister of State for Information Technology (IT) Shaza Fatima Khawaja has clarified that the soon-to-be-introduced instant messaging application ‘Beep Pakistan’ should not be compared with WhatsApp.

    The National Information Technology Board (NITB) developed ‘Beep Pakistan’ and began its trial in August 2023 under the then-Information Technology Minister Aminul Haq.

    Government officers and Ministry of Information Technology experts have been using the application for the past year, and it is still being tested.

    Recently, complaints about slow internet speeds and difficulties running WhatsApp led to rumours on social media that the government plans to introduce ‘Beep Pakistan’ as an alternative to WhatsApp.

    However, Minister of State Shaza Fatima Khawaja has clarified that ‘Beep Pakistan’ is not intended as a public alternative to WhatsApp but will serve as an alternative at the government level.

    In an interview with the Arab broadcaster Al Jazeera, Shaza Fatima emphasised that it is incorrect to consider ‘Beep Pakistan’ as an alternative to WhatsApp or to compare the two.

    She stated that the government does not intend to present ‘Beep Pakistan’ as an alternative to third-party applications.

    According to the Minister of State, the app is still being tested within the Ministry of Information Technology, and in the second phase, testing will extend to more federal ministries.

    Shaza explained that ‘Beep Pakistan’ will be introduced as an official instant messaging application. The government will ensure its privacy and will use the app exclusively for government affairs.

    The app will function similarly to WhatsApp, but all services and data will remain under the control of the Government of Pakistan.

    The Government of Pakistan has also recently issued orders to implement electronic and e-systems in ministries and institutions to reduce time and costs associated with paper-based processes.

  • ‘You can’t act, you’re just a pretty face’; Anmol Baloch reflects on tough early days

    ‘You can’t act, you’re just a pretty face’; Anmol Baloch reflects on tough early days

    Rising star Anmol Baloch has won hearts with her diverse performances in dramas like Siyaani, Sirf Tum, Aik Larki Aam Si, and Saza e Ishq. Her latest drama, Shiddat, addresses real-life issues and societal challenges, making it a must-watch for its powerful storytelling.

    In an interview with ‘Fuschia Magazine,’ Anmol reflected on a challenging moment early in her career when a director criticized her acting, labeling her “just a pretty face.” She recalled, “During my first project, the director told me, ‘You’re just a pretty face and you can’t act.’” This harsh feedback initially made her doubt herself, but she used it as motivation to prove her skills. Anmol emphasized the importance of resilience and self-belief in her growth as an actress, stating, “I decided to work harder and improve my acting, despite the ongoing criticism I faced.”

    Anmol also shared important advice for young girls, highlighting the need for self-assertion and financial independence. She recounted how her family’s support helped her stand up for herself on set and navigate career challenges, noting, “My family, especially my mother, encouraged me to stand up for myself and make my own decisions.” Anmol believes that financial independence is crucial for maintaining self-respect and avoiding dependency on others. She urged, “No matter who your parents are, no matter who you marry, a woman should be financially independent.”

    Anmol Baloch’s insights provide a thoughtful perspective on her career and personal experiences, making for an inspiring and enriching conversation.