Author: newsdesk

  • British-Pakistani wakes up from coma to discover mother passed away from COVID-19

    British-Pakistani wakes up from coma to discover mother passed away from COVID-19

    A British-Pakistani man woke up from a 25-day coma to discover that his mother had passed away from COVID-19.

    According to a report in Geo News, Sohail Anjum went into a coma for almost a month after contracting a severe form of the deadly virus. He was admitted to the Croydon University Hospital in London. When he regained consciousness, he was told that his mother, 81, had passed away a few days after he was admitted to the hospital.

    Hospital staff lauds Sohail as he leaves the hospital

    Speaking to the publication, Anjum shared that he was in an induced coma when his mother passed away. He said that his brother was allowed to meet their mother under “exceptional circumstances” as the hospital had been put under lockdown and no visitation was allowed.

    He said that his mother asked his brother about him [Sohail] and told him that she was praying for his health.

    “I was told that while I was in a coma, it was only when she passed away that my vitals started improving. I believe it was my mother’s prayer before she passed away that saved my life,” said Anjum, who has now returned home after spending six weeks in the hospital. He shared that though he has recovered, he still feels weak and will be requiring physiotherapy to get back on his feet again.

    https://twitter.com/sohailanjum/status/1255408587318464514?s=20

    “It’s been an emotional homecoming. I guess I’m not used to not seeing mum around anymore,” said Anjum, in another interview. “She would be the first person I would see whenever I came home and she was constantly checking up on me as mothers do.”

    While Anjum is not exactly clear how he contracted the virus, he shares that he regularly travelled on London’s public transport network and could have contracted it from there. He developed symptoms around the second week of March and remained in self-isolation at home. The doctors told him to have paracetamol but when his health worsened and he started having difficulties in breathing, he was taken to the hospital where the doctors put him to an induced sleep. Anjum remained on a ventilator for over three weeks and was then placed under sedation. He woke up after a week. Doctors didn’t tell him his mother passed away to save him from trauma.

    However, Anjum said that when he woke up, he was almost certain that his mum had passed away.

    “I had a suspicion she had died. It may sound strange, but it came to me in a vision,” he said, adding “We never even got to say goodbye.”

    Anjum’s mother had started showing symptoms a few days after he was admitted. She was taken to the same hospital, where she passed away a few days later.

    Sohail with his family

    LIVE UPDATES: Coronavirus

    Anjum, who is an entertainment executive, has worked with prominent Bollywood and Pakistani celebrities as a photographer. His case garnered a lot of media attention and well-wishes poured in for him from all over the world.

  • Humayun Saeed vs Naumaan Ijaz: What’s going on?

    Humayun Saeed vs Naumaan Ijaz: What’s going on?

    A video clip of Naumaan Ijaaz criticising Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui’s acting is going viral on social media.

    In the video, Naumaan shared that he did not watch the superhit drama serial Meray Paas Tum Ho and remarked that Humayun needs to work on his acting skills.

    “Usually people groom over the years but [Humayun] hasn’t,” said Ijaz. “But maybe if he keeps working hard, he might just suddenly end up learning the art. I’m optimistic, one should never lose hope. I pray that he gets it soon.”

    Naumaan passed his remarks very lightly and Vasay Chaudhry who with him in the live session couldn’t hold back his laughter at the veteran’s comments. Chaudhry then proceeded to ask Naumaan what he thinks of Adnan Siddiqui. In response, the actor said, “Adnan is right there with Humayun, if he has been successful so far then it’s never too late [for him to learn].”

    Apart from that, Naumaan had also criticised Hamza Ali Abbasi and Hollywood legend Marlon Brando’s acting skills.

    Watch video:

    Following this, Humayun while appearing on Jeeto Pakistan responded to Naumaan’s comments with his trademark humour.

    Fahad while hosting the show shared that in his first television drama, Humayun played his father. Humayun immediately responded saying that Fahad’s character was of his fourth wife’s son. Humayun used this moment to add, “Naumaan Ijaz bhi mere abba banay thay, mere pehle dramay main (Naumaan Ijaaz also played my father in my first drama).”

    Read more – Fans are furious with Adnan Siddiqui for mocking Sarfaraz Ahmed

    Though Fahad responded by saying that he doesn’t want to be caught up in their ‘feud’, Humayun couldn’t resist adding, “Lekin wo aaj bhi mere Abba banay gein, meri next film main (Even today, he will play my father in my next film).”

    Looks like both the stars mean well and were just having a bit of fun.

  • Trouble for Imran? Govt’s allied PML avoiding accountability, adopting Opp’s stance

    Trouble for Imran? Govt’s allied PML avoiding accountability, adopting Opp’s stance

    With the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), in line with Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s vision of holding the corrupt accountable, planning to reopen a decades-old investigation against the Chaudhrys of Gujrat, trouble seems to be around the corner for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that is in power owing to the support of its allies, including the Chaudhry cousins’ Pakistan Muslim League (PML).

    PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and his cousin, Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, have approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) against NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal’s jurisdiction after reports said that an investigation into the assets of the two leaders was being re-opened 19 years later.

    Reiterating that the accountability watchdog has no authority to reopen an almost two-decade-old case that had already been closed, the Chaudhrys, in their petition, have questioned the jurisdiction of NAB to invoke provisions of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999 and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010 simultaneously, arguing that the bureau has no power to hold an inquiry into allegations of money laundering under NAO 1999.

    While the court has directed the NAB chief and other parties to submit a reply till May 11, the bureau alleges that it is facing propaganda onslaught since after reports of reopening of the alleged cases against the PML leaders and the decision in this regard is yet to be taken by the NAB chief.

    The Chaudhrys, however, are convinced that the anti-graft watchdog is an institution of “political engineering”.

    “NAB is an independent institution and worked transparently without an influence,” NAB has in response to the allegations levelled by the PML leadership, which seem to support the stance of opposition parties, including the PML-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), as leaders of both the former ruling parties have time and again also accused the government of using the anti-graft watchdog for political vendetta.

    TROUBLE FOR IMRAN?

    “Relationship between PM Imran and the Chaudhrys is not based on principles, but is rather a marriage of inconvenience since the two need each other in the post-2018 election scenario, when Imran, despite all his reservations about them was left with no other choice but to reach an agreement to come to power,” sources told The Current.

    They said it was interesting how the PML leadership was trying to evade the process of accountability that the premier has a special place for in his heart, adding that members of the opposition parties and even some from both the PTI and PML are eagerly waiting for whatever is to follow the episode.

    “The PTI has a total number of 156 members in the Lower House [National Assembly] against rival PML-N’s 84 and the PPP’s 55. The two largest opposition parties also enjoy the support of a few independent lawmakers in addition to those from other parties of the anti-government alliance,” they said, adding that the support of MNAs from the PML among other allies such as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) was imperative for the PTI to keep on enjoying a majority in the parliament.

    “PTI seems to be struggling in this regard as it has lately not been the best of friends with many of its allies. Other than the PML and MQM-P, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) is also not very happy and is finding it difficult to not break ties,” a senior member of the ruling party, on the condition of anonymity, told The Current.

    To a question, they said that if the PML strikes a deal with the opposition parties, the current system would collapse like a “house of cards” as it is no secret that PTI is in power in Punjab also only because of the Chaudhry’s support. “Independent members do not mind joining hands with whoever seems to be in charge.”

    “The recent developments regarding the NAB’s old case against Chaudhrys coincided with their recent meetings with some PML-N leaders, including Rafiq brothers and some backdoor exchange of possibility of cooperation between the two. This has led to them believing that the PTI is trying to force them back into the coalition and not jump ship,” said a close aide of Pervaiz Elahi.

    They, however, refused to shed light on the possible troubles facing Chaudhrys because of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar, who had also elevated to the position of the provincial chief executive as part of the deal struck between the PTI and PML.

    MOONIS SAYS ‘NO COMMENT’:

    When contacted, senior PML leader and son of Pervaiz Elahi, Moonis Elahi, refused to comment on the situation.

    The PML leader was asked about his party’s goals with regard to taking NAB to court; why was the PML, despite being an ally of the PTI, not letting the anti-graft body go through with its aim to eradicate corruption; and who exactly was using NAB as a tool for political engineering as claimed by the party.

    He said that the party leadership and lawyers had strictly told them not to directly comment on the case as it was sub-judice and any statement could be used against them in court.

  • Saba Qamar reveals her ‘unfiltered side’

    Saba Qamar reveals her ‘unfiltered side’

    Seems like Saba Qamar is having a great time shooting for her YouTube videos because the actor recently uploaded a new video on her channel which includes behind the scenes footage from the shoot of her first episode.

    The shots show Saba having fun, goofing around and letting loose while shooting her video with her team. After a montage of footage, we are introduced to Saba’s team which includes her manager, stylist, videographer, photographer and director.

    Read more – Saba Qamar reveals why she hasn’t gotten married yet

    Saba introduces each one of them and shares what she loves about them the most. Saba added that her team is like her family.

    “I love my family,” says Saba. “Koi meri family kay baaray main kuch nahi kahay ga. Aur agar kahay ga, toh main andar say guzar jaoon gee (No one dare say anything against my family because if they do, I will not spare them.”

    Watch the full video here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrj7T_6uzFg
  • Indian Air Force’s MiG-29 fighter jet crashes 117 km from Lahore, in Jalandhar

    Indian Air Force’s MiG-29 fighter jet crashes 117 km from Lahore, in Jalandhar

    A MiG-29 interceptor of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday crashed during a training mission near Punjab’s Jalandhar — 117 kilometres (km) from the provincial capital of Pakistan province of Punjab. The pilot ejected safely and was soon taken away in a rescue helicopter, the IAF said in a statement.

    “The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft. The pilot has been rescued by a helicopter. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident,” the IAF said.

    The MiG-29 is a Soviet-era fast interceptor that has seen action in the Kargil war in 1999. It has also been used to escort other jets on bombing missions from incoming “bandits” or enemy fighter jets.

    The IAF operates over 60 MiG-29s, all of which have been upgraded with advanced avionics and better weapons to convert them into multi-role jets that can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions equally well.

    The Soviet-made jet had taken off from Adampur Air Force Station near Jalandhar which is the second-largest military airbase of India. The No. 47 and No 203 Squadrons of the IAF are stationed at this base. Adampur Base played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak War of 1965 as it is within 100 km from the Indo-Pak border.

    On February 26 last year, another variant of the jet — the MiG-21 fighters were up against much more modern Pakistani jets during aerial skirmishes.

    Indian planes had crossed the line of control and claimed to have bombed what New Dehli described as a terrorist training camp near Balakot. Islamabad had denied the Indian side of the story and provided sufficient evidence to back up its argument.

    A day later, Pakistani F-16s and other planes had crossed the line of control to attack Indian forces, New Delhi claimed. Indian MiG-21s were scrambled to intercept when  Islamabad shot down two MiG-21s of the IAF. An Indian Air Force MiG-21 pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was captured by Pakistani security forces.

    He was later released as what Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had said was a goodwill gesture.

  • Mother’s day gifts that you can order online

    Mother’s day gifts that you can order online

    Mothers day is on 10th May, Sunday and we all are planning something special for our mothers even with the lockdown. Though it is difficult getting a gift for your mother given how all markets are closed.

    The Current did some research and listed a few brands that can deliver stuff to your doorstep.

    A perfect jora – perhaps something she can wear on Eid

    Khaadi

    Official Website: https://khaadi.com/

    Limelight

    Official website: https://www.limelight.pk/

    Zeen

    Website: https://www.zeenwoman.com/pk/

    Bags

    Sapphire

    Official Website: https://pk.sapphireonline.pk/collections/shoes-bags

    By The Way

    Official Website: https://www.btwonline.com/

    Perfumes

    Khaadi

    Website: https://pk.khaadi.com/accessories/woman/apf19204-apf19204.html

    J. Fragrances

    Official Website: https://www.junaidjamshed.com/fragrances/for-women.html

    Makeup

    Makeup City

    Website: https://makeupcityshop.com/

    Masarrat Misbah Makeup

    Official Website: https://www.masarratmakeup.com/pak/

  • PM eases lockdown as Pakistan continues to record 1,000 new virus cases on average daily

    PM eases lockdown as Pakistan continues to record 1,000 new virus cases on average daily

    The federal government has decided to gradually lift the lockdown restrictions, imposed to contain the coronavirus, from Saturday, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced after the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting on Thursday.

    The announcement came in spite of the 46 deaths, highest recorded so far in the country, as the total number of coronavirus cases shot to 24,954 with the addition of over 1,300 cases in a single day. From April 28 to May 7, 297 coronavirus deaths have been reported in the country; these account for more than 49.7 per cent of the total number of deaths till May 7, which stands at 593.

    Pakistan is recording 1,000 new coronavirus cases on average daily, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily situation report about the disease in the country.

    The WHO report, dated May 6, stated that the number of cases reported per day has risen to 1,000 on average this week in Pakistan, doubling since mid-April.

    Punjab and Sindh have the highest number of infection, with 9,195 and 9,093 cases, respectively. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reported 1,725 and 3,956 cases each. In Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan, the infection swelled to 521 and 388, respectively. However, Azad Kashmir has the lowest number of cases, with 76 infections so far.

    As per the WHO report, the highest case density is reported from Gilgit-Baltistan, followed by Islamabad and Sindh.

    Comparing the testing numbers of each province and the federating units, the report notes that Islamabad has the highest testing per million of its population, followed by Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    Majority of the country’s case fatalities have been reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the situation report.

    Moreover, 84% of the confirmed cases are between the ages of 20 and 64 years, while the highest mortality rate, 74%, is amongst the age bracket of 50-79 years.

  • Coronavirus: Pakistan to get 153 million euros

    Coronavirus: Pakistan to get 153 million euros

    Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara has called on Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and announced that the EU had allocated 153 million euros to support Pakistan in its war against the new coronavirus — COVID-19.

    She briefed the premier on measures by the EU to strengthen Pakistan’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, over which PM Imran expressed satisfaction on the growing momentum in Pakistan-EU bilateral relations.

    Further steps to deepen the Pakistan-EU partnership in all its dimensions were also discussed during the meeting.

    This is not the first relief effort aimed at supporting cash-stripped Pakistan as it fights the global pandemic.

    Earlier, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had announced to provide around $1.4 billion to help the country address the economic fallout of the coronavirus outbreak.

    “IMF Executive Board approves a US$1.386 billion disbursement to Pakistan to address the COVID-19 pandemic,” the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had said in a statement last month.

    The announcement had come after the global lender said the disbursement under its Rapid Financing Instrument would enable Pakistan “to meet the urgent balance of payment needs stemming from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic”.

    “The outbreak of COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the Pakistani economy. The domestic containment measures, coupled with the global downturn, are severely affecting growth and straining external financing. This has created an urgent balance of payments need,” said Geoffrey Okamoto, acting chair of the IMF Executive Board, in a statement.

    “In this context of heightened uncertainty, IMF emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument provides strong support to the authorities’ emergency policy response, preserving fiscal space for essential health spending, shoring up confidence, and catalysing additional donor support.”

    He also acknowledged the country’s “swift action” to curb the spread of the virus and other measures to support citizens.

    The total number of infections in Pakistan, by the time this report was filed, stood at 24,954 with 593 deaths.

  • Fahad Mustafa says ‘Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’ will have ‘Mission Impossible type stunts’

    Last weekend, Nabeel Qureshi, the director of Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan’s upcoming film Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad, teased fans with a sneak peek of the film sending fans into a frenzy.

    The director shared behind-the-scenes pictures of Fahad suspended mid-air on a crane and wrote: “Preparing for some action-packed sequence with Fahad and Mahira”.

    In response, Fahad tweeted, “What was I thinking?”

    Later while speaking to a local media outlet, Fahad shared that the film will have some “very dangerous action bike sequences”.

    He said: “Action sequences in movies are either stylish or realistic. We have tried to be as realistic as we can with the action sequences in Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad.”

    WATCH: Fahad Mustafa practices his action stunts for ‘Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’

    Fahad further said that the film will feature action sequences that have never been tried before in Pakistan and that he performed all the stunts himself.

    “We have tried to pull off Mission Impossible type stuff in Pakistan with Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad,” said the actor. “I endured multiple injuries while performing these stunts. My heel was injured throughout the course of filming and I couldn’t even walk properly but still, I did all the stunts myself and no double was used.”

    “I hope everyone will like the film,” he added.

    Read more – ‘Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’: What will Mahira & Fahad’s film be about?

    The shoot for the film has wrapped up and it is currently in the post-processing phase. Director Nabeel Qureshi, while speaking to various media outlets, shared that the team of the film is working on the film from home and they hope to release it as per schedule i.e. on Eid ul Azha.

  • All board exams cancelled, all students to be promoted, university admissions on first year results

    All board exams cancelled, all students to be promoted, university admissions on first year results

    Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood has announced the cancellation of all board exams across the country as the coronavirus outbreak continues to worsen.

    Speaking after the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting in Islamabad Thursday, Mehmood said that all provinces have decided to keep schools closed till July 15, whereas all students of grades 9 and 10, besides those of intermediate parts I and II, will be promoted on the basis of their results from the previous class.

    “All board exams have been cancelled and students of class 9, 10, 11 and 12 will be promoted for the next class on the basis of results obtained in the previous class,” he said, adding that student can seek admissions to universities on the basis of their results from the 11th grade.

    The minister further said that the decision was taken with the consensus of all provinces and students will be able to enroll in the next class as soon as schools reopen in July.

    Meanwhile, the government has decided to begin lifting lockdown restrictions from Saturday (May 9), Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has announced.