Author: newsdesk

  • ‘I won’t fall in love… will marry as per my parents’ choice’: Video of oath at girls college goes viral

    About 40 students at a girls college have pledged to desist from love marriage besides giving or receiving dowry, a 2020 video going viral a day after Valentine’s Day has revealed.

    As per the details, the video was recorded at Mahila Kala Vanijya Mahavidyalaya in the Indian state of Maharashtra

    The oath was administered by teachers during a National Service Scheme (NSS) camp, which was attended by 100 students.

    The college is run by an educational organisation, Vidarbha Youth Welfare Society, founded by late Ram Meghe, Congress leader and former state Education Minister. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts and commerce.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    The oath administered to the students was, “I take the oath that I have complete faith in my parents. So, considering the incidents happening around, I will not get entangled in love and will not do love marriage. Also, I wouldn’t marry anyone demanding dowry. If my parents marry me off by giving dowry due to some social compulsions, as a future mother, I will not take dowry from the parents of my would-be daughter-in-law and will not give dowry for my daughter’s marriage. I am taking this oath for a strong and healthy India.”

    Indian media reported that the oath was optional.

  • Javed Afridi responds to ‘MG Motors mega under-invoicing scam’ rumours

    Javed Afridi, who brought Morris Garages (MG) into Pakistani market has hit out at the automobile giants in the country after the federal investigation launched to probe the import pricing of complete built-up (CBU) units of MG. 

    “For decades, Pakistani automobile consumers have been exploited by cartels that cornered them with low quality, boring models at exorbitant prices. Plus, buyers had to pay billions of rupees to get delivery of the very vehicles the price of which they had already paid,” the KP-based businessman said in a post on his social media accounts.

    “As new entrants bring in exciting new models at far lower prices, instead of competition, we expect maligning campaigns and baseless rumours. While we know that competition is an unfamiliar phenomenon in Pakistan’s automobile industry, we invite everyone to join in a fair competition to serve Pakistani consumers with a bigger and better variety of vehicles at lower prices,” he added.

    The statement of Javed Afridi came after a local newspaper claimed that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was reportedly investigating a mega under-invoicing scam showing the involvement of Afridi company. 

    According to media reports, the company have imported over 500 complete built-up (CBU) units from Shanghai China, predominantly MG GS Model, their highest specification model. 

    The declared customs value of $11,632 which is too low. This same model is being sold at a price above $27,000 in other countries. 

    “The under-invoicing evidence has also been shared with other line Ministries and agencies for a thorough probe as this is inflicting billions of rupees financial loss the national exchequer,” the report said. 

    With over 400 CBU units already imported, the company has allegedly evaded over Rs1 billion in duty and taxes so far. 

    Just last month, MG Pakistan launched two more cars, MG ZS and MG ZS EV following a positive response from the local consumer market.

    Over the weekend, Afridi had teased the fans by standing next to the MG 5 sedan. However, it is yet to be confirmed if the car will be coming to Pakistan’s market any time soon.

  • VIDEO: ‘Please keep your personal matters to yourself,’ journalist tells Gill after being called ‘second wife’

    Journalist Shahzad Iqbal has told Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s aide Dr Shahbaz Gill to “keep personal matters to himself” after the latter called Iqbal his “second wife” on live TV.

    As per the details, Gill, along with Dr Munir Baloch of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) besides businessman and ruling party loyalist Abdul Qadir, was talking to Iqbal on Geo News’ “Naya Pakistan” show when the premier’s aide was asked a question regarding Senate tickets.

    “Babar Yousafzai of your own party has accused Baloch of peddling money to be awarded a Senate ticket,” Iqbal said, to which Gill responded by saying it was a baseless allegation in absence of evidence.

    The anchor went on to say it would’ve been different had it been someone from the opposition leveling the accusations.

    “It is his [Yousafzai] right,” Gill said and accused Iqbal of being biased against the government, mentioning instances when the journalist hadn’t conducted shows on internal rifts during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) regimes.

    This was followed by Iqbal taking Gill head-on and warning him against leveling accusations. “Just say you don’t want to answer if you don’t like the question. But don’t assume what I did or didn’t do.”

    “You fight and shout a lot…”

    “Because this isn’t the right behaviour…”

    “It feels like you’re my second wife who is upset with me for prioritising my first wife,” Gill said.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    “Please keep your personal matters to yourself,” Iqbal hit back.

    The two then went on to cut each other off.

    It merits a mention that PTI central parliamentary board, headed by PM Imran, has withdrawn the party ticket awarded to business tycoon Abdul Qadir in Balochistan for the Senate election after strong opposition from the PTI provincial leadership and zonal heads.

  • Kaira leaves TV show after host calls Maryam, Bilawal ‘immature’

    Kaira leaves TV show after host calls Maryam, Bilawal ‘immature’

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Qamaruz Zaman Kaira walked out of a TV show after a minor argument with the show host Ehtesham Amiruddin and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry over their criticism of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz.

    During the show, Fawad termed the politics of Maryam and Bilawal “immature” and called them “kids” who were playing politics. “They have no idea of the Pakistani politics,” he said, adding both political parties have no future in the country.

    At this, Kaira, who had joined the show via telephone, clapped back at Fawad, saying he’s calling Maryam a “kid” when she is older than him. At this, Fawad said he meant that Maryam was not an experienced politician.

    Kaira responded that she might have more experience in politics than Fawad Chaudhry. Kaira also criticised the PTI for being a party of trolls. He said they resort to trolling in response to criticism against their party or to damage the stature of the opposition leaders.

    Fawad rebutted Maryam and Bilawal have no political standing and it was unfortunate that people like Kaira have to defend them. “Don’t worry, they are very good politicians,” Kaira responded.

    At this, the TV host tried to clarify, saying that what Fawad wanted to say was that both the PPP chairman and PML-N vice president were “politically immature”.

    Irked by the interjection, Kaira told the host that he didn’t need him to speak for Fawad as he knew very well what the PTI leader meant. “I understood what he meant… more than you,” Kaira told the host.

    The host then went on to say that he too agrees with Fawad that statements by Maryam and Bilawal that criticise the army were a sing of “political immaturity”.

    Kaira responded that the anchorpersons are supposed to moderate the shows, not give their “judgements”. At this, the host said it was not fair that his opinion was being considered as judgement, while Kaira can give his opinion without any problem.

    However, the things continue to go south and Kaira eventually left the show by disconnecting the telephone call.

  • PSL6 opening ceremony to be filmed in a specially designed studio in Turkey

    PSL6 opening ceremony to be filmed in a specially designed studio in Turkey

    The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League 6 (PSL6) will commence with a glittering opening ceremony on February 20. The star-studded entertainment-packed event will feature Atif Aslam, Imran Khan, Humaima Malick and the PSL 6 Anthem artists: Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and Young Stunners. The event will also mark Atif and Khan’s first-ever PSL appearance.

    According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), parts of the opening ceremony will be filmed offshore in a specially designed studio space in Turkey. Some artists including Baig have already arrived in Istanbul for the event.

    Speaking about the opening ceremony, Director Commercial PCB Babar Hamid said: “This year promises to be really exciting especially the state-of-the-art technology being used to create this experience for Pakistani fans.”

    Later, Khan shared his picture on Instagram with a caption, “Aj wekhe ga crowed mera groove tv te,” following the tags #hblpsl, #pakistan and #turkey.

    Read more – Shoaib Akhtar receives flak from celebrities for his comments on ‘Groove Mera’

    The first four opening ceremonies of the PSL were held at the Dubai International Stadium while the 2020 opening ceremony was staged at the National Stadium Karachi, and the same venue will play host to the 2021 ceremony. As has been the tradition in earlier editions, the opening ceremony will be followed by the first match of the season – defending champions Karachi Kings will play Quetta Gladiators in the night match.

    The ceremony is expected to be aired on PTV Sports and Geo Super. The time for the event has not yet been announced.

    Meanwhile, overseas players have started arriving in Karachi, where the first half of the tournament will take place. Because of COVID-19 SOPs, the PCB has limited the event to Karachi and Lahore only. The former will host 20 matches from February 20 to March 7 while the latter will host the remaining 14 matches from March 10 to 22.

    As announced by the PCB, around 7,500 ticketed spectators will be allowed access inside the stadium per match day, while around 5,500 will be able to attend each match day at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

  • Rawalpindi police foil jailbreak bid, suspect detained

    Rawalpindi police foil jailbreak bid, suspect detained

    Rawalpindi police have foiled a bid to break Adiala Central Jail and registered a case against the suspect who tried to smuggle in a hacksaw for the purpose.

    According to reports, stepson of a prisoner, Khalid Khan, came to visit his father in jail. The son, named Amaan Abbasi, had also brought food and other stuff for his father, but when the police official inspected his luggage before the meeting, they found a hacksaw and other such stuff in his box.

    Subsequently, the police officials took the visitors in the custody and also confiscated the hacksaw. A case has also been registered against Abbasi by the SHO of Saddar police station, Rawalpindi.

    According to Assistant Superintendent Jail Saqib Amin, the police have averted a major untoward incident by seizing the hacksaw before it could reach the hands of the prisoner.

  • COVID-19: Pakistan begins registration of senior citizens for vaccination

    COVID-19: Pakistan begins registration of senior citizens for vaccination

    The Head of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Asad Umar announced on Monday that the government has started registration for COVID-19 vaccination of citizens above 65. The vaccination drive for them will begin in March.

    “Pleased to announce that registration for getting COVID vaccine is now open for all citizens 65 and above,” wrote the minister on Twitter.

    Umar said those interested in getting themselves vaccinated can write down their CNIC number and send a message on 1166. 

    “InshAllah vaccinations for this age group will start in March,” he added.

    Read More – Here’s how you can register for COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Taimur Jhagra praised the NCOC, SAPM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan and NCOC head Asad Umar for their efforts.

  • Minal Khan, Ahsan Mohsin Ikram make it official

    Minal Khan, Ahsan Mohsin Ikram make it official

    Minal Khan and beau Ahsan Mohsin Ikram have made it official. The couple, on Valentine’s Day, subtly announced that they have gotten engaged!

    Ahsan revealed the news in an Instagram post, sharing a picture of Minal showing off her engagement ring.

    “Happy Valentine’s Day,” wrote Ikram in caption along with a heart emoji.

    Earlier in the day, Khan shared a photo from their intimate Valentine’s Day celebration as she posed alongside Ikram in front of a pink wall with a heart-shaped balloon.

    “Love is in the air. Simple and sweet,” wrote the actor in the caption.

    Commenting on Minal’s post, Ahsan wrote: “I love you.” However, Minal later closed the comments section of her post.

    Soon after, congratulatory messages poured in for the newly engaged couple from fans and colleagues.

    The news of Minal and Ahsan’s engagement comes just days after Minal was spotted at Ahsan’s grandmother’s (Dadi) birthday celebrations.

    The couple had officially confirmed their relationship on Minal’s birthday in November 2020 with a picture that received immense backlash on social media.

  • VIDEO: MG electric cars damaged in Sindh trailer overturn

    At least 13 MG (Morris Garages) electric cars imported from South Korea were damaged when a loaded trailer overturned near Nawabshah.

    According to the media reports, the speeding trailer turned turtle near Dino Machine area of Daulatpur in Nawabshah on National Highway on Friday.

    Motorway Police shared the details of the accident, saying that the trailer was on its way to Lahore from Karachi when it overturned.

    They added that no loss of life was reported due to the accident. In terms of monetary value, each car was worth almost Rs9 million.

    In December, the federal cabinet had approved Pakistan’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy. The EV Policy and the Mobile Manufacturing Policy was endorsed by the Federal Cabinet, following their approval by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on December 16.

    Earlier, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, while attending the ceremony of an upgraded version of Lahore Chambers of Commerce website, said that the battery-powered electric cars would hit the roads of Pakistan very soon.

    He further added that the government is taking every step to make Pakistan environmental friendly and economically strong.

  • Aamir Liaquat trolls Vawda over award of Senate ticket

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Aamir Liaquat has taken a dig at Faisal Vawda, who is also an MNA from Karachi, after he was named by the party as its Senate nominee from Sindh.

    Vawda, who is facing a case in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for allegedly lying about his dual nationality, might get disqualified from holding the NA seat. And many observers see his candidature as an attempt to circumvent the potential disqualification.

    In a jibe at the Senate ticket for Vawda, Aamir Liaquat in a series of tweet ranted about the former getting a nomination for the upper house even though he didn’t deserve it.

    The Karachi lawmaker also shared a picture of PM Imran Khan and Faisal Vawda that was captioned with a fictional dialogue between the two. “Only a Senate ticket… but you promised me tickets for provincial assemblies, Azad Kashmir Assembly, Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, and Lok Sabha ticket that Nawaz Sharif didn’t disclose in his documents. Not just these, you also promised to give me Green Line Bus ticket on a priority basis,” the PTI leader mocked his colleague.

    He also criticised PM Imran for giving ticket to Vawda.

    The PTI leadership in Sindh is not happy with Vawda either. According to reports, key party leaders from three zones of rural Sindh approached the Sindh governor on Sunday to express their displeasure over the award of the Senate tickets of Vawda and Saifullah Abro.

    The leaders who signed the letter included Sadaqat Ali Jatoi, brother of former Sindh chief minister Liaquat Jatoi, PTI Sukkur President Mubeen Jatoi, Allah Bux Unnar and Raja Khan Jhakrani, former provincial secretary general Mehfooz Usrani, a former candidate from NA-214 Shaheed Benazirabad Gul Muhammad Rind, former provincial minister Agha Taimoor Khan Pathan, Papu Khan Chachar and other party leaders.