Author: newsdesk

  • Azfar Ali says three actresses need to improve their acting skills

    Azfar Ali says three actresses need to improve their acting skills

    With his recent comments, Azfar Ali, an actor and director, has sparked a debate in the entertainment industry. On Madeha Naqvi’s show, he stated that Kubra Khan, Ramsha Khan, and Nazish Jahangir need to improve their acting skills by gaining.

    During his appearance on Madeha Rizvi’s show, Azfar Ali was asked a pointed question, “Who do you think shouldn’t be working in films?” The options presented were Nazish, Kubra, and Ramsha, leading to a discussion on their acting abilities.

    Reflecting on his personal experience, Azfar Ali shared, “I remember casting Nazish Jahangir in her first lead role in my play ‘Gali Mein Chand Nikla’. She was a fresh face in the industry from Islamabad, and I saw potential in her. However, in the initial years, she struggled to secure lead roles. It’s heartening to see her now in prominent roles.”

    While talking about acting, Ali said, “But I believe that anyone who wants to act should understand that acting is a profession that requires hard work, not just beauty. You need to learn your craft, practice acting, and perform in theater to hone your skills. Find a mentor who can guide you, and don’t just rely on your looks to get ahead.”

    He added, “Not everyone can act; I mean, Kubra can’t act, Nazish can’t act, Ramsha can’t act. It’s a skill that requires talent and hard work to develop.”

  • Fans call for 3 Idiots to win an Oscar after academy shares clip

    Fans call for 3 Idiots to win an Oscar after academy shares clip

    The social media handles of the Academy Awards surprised fans by sharing a classic scene from Aamir Khan’s ‘3 Idiots’. A scene from the film, based on an examination incident where the characters cleverly deceive the exam proctor, was shown on the Academy Award’s Instagram account with the caption, “Rancho’s presence of mind was at 100% here.”

    It also included details of the film with the caption, “Film: 3 IDIOTS.Directed by Rajkumar HiraniWritten by Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi (based on the novel “Five Point Someone” by Chetan Bhagat),Starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Omi Vaidya, and Boman Irani”

    The story of 3 Iditos revolves around the lives of three engineering students and their journey through college and beyond.
    Fans of the Indian film left comments on the post, with one saying that “the film is better than Hollywood movies and deserves an Oscar.”

  • Delta Airlines fires employee who posted from airline’s account against Palestine

    Delta Airlines fires employee who posted from airline’s account against Palestine

    A recent post of a Zionist Twitter user went viral where he compared Palestine flag pins that Delta Airlines wore with Hamas.

    In his tweet, the bigoted user expressed disappointment at the display of solidarity with Palestine, stating that he was required to take his shoes off in every airport as per security protocols. “Now imagine getting into a Delta flight and seeing workers with Hamas badges in the air.” He posed the question to American Airlines by tagging their official handle.

    An hour later the airline responded, “I hear you as I’d be terrified as well, personally. Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take it lightly when our policy is not being followed.”

    This created an uproar on social media.

    Religious scholar and speaker Omar Suleiman shared a screenshot of the exchange online and asked people to boycott Delta Airlines. “These airlines won’t learn until you stop giving them business,” he stressed.

    However, Delta removed the tweet recently. “On Wednesday, we removed a reply that was not in line with our values. We strive for an environment of inclusivity and respect for all, in our communities and our planes. The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels We apologize for this hurtful post.”

    The flight attendant in the picture also posted a picture of him making a victory sign with the caption, “Thank you to everyone for all of the kinds messages. It has been an overwhelming few days but I’m grateful for all of the love and support. See you in the skies!”.

  • ‘If Khan,Bushra Bibi are not wanted in other case, they are free’: Judge Afzal Manoka

    ‘If Khan,Bushra Bibi are not wanted in other case, they are free’: Judge Afzal Manoka

    An Islamabad district and sessions court accepted appeals filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, against their conviction in the Iddat case, clearing them of the last known legal cases against them.

    Khan and his spouse were sentenced to seven years in prison and awarded a fine of Rs500,000 each, in February earlier this year after a trial court found their nikah to be fraudulent.

    The couple challenged their conviction and moved the IHC, seeking varying relief from the court.

    The recent verdict, a significant milestone for the founder of PTI, holds immense importance. Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August last year in the Toshakhana case, and this decision could potentially change his circumstances.

    While Khan got relief in significant cases like Toshakhana and cipher cases earlier this month, he remained behind bars in the Iddat case.

  • Pakistani celebs rally against rising power bills

    Pakistani celebs rally against rising power bills

    Rising inflation across society has hit all sectors, leaving now one immune from its effects, not even celebrities. A few days ago, senior Pakistani actor Rashid Mehmood made headlines after sharing his hefty electricity bill for June 2024. His story resonated with millions on social media, who expressed their support and shared their own struggles with rising costs and inflation. Many reported finding it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses.

    Recently, more actors have found the courage to speak out againsy high electricity costs and the burdensome bills they are receiving.

    Humaira Channa Speaks Out

    Famous singer Humaira Channa, known for hit Lollywood songs, said, “You all know about the current situation in Pakistan. We are suffering from heavy bills. I urge government officials to give us relief. I got a bill worth 60,000 PKR, and we only use one AC at night. We are barely managing because we have kids studying in university, and we have to handle everything on our own.”

    Watch the video:

    Nooran Lal’s Struggle

    Another renowned singer, Nooran Lal, also opened up about her difficulties. She said, “I got two meters at home to keep our units controlled, yet we received heavy bills on both meters—40,000 and 33,000 PKR, along with taxes. We are artists with no other businesses and are barely managing. As a single woman running a household, it is really tough to deal with these finances. Is this what we deserve?”

    Maria Mir’s Concerns

    Singer Maria Mir also talked about receiving heavy electricity bills, stating that it has become extremely challenging for her to pay them.

    Watch the video here:

    Zahid Sharif’s Desperate Measures

    A former Pakistani Olympic player, Zahid Sharif, was reported to have considered selling his kidney to pay his electricity bill.

    Read the post here:

    Shugufta Ejaz’s Experience

    Even seasoned actor Shugufta Ejaz, who is relatively well-off, has expressed her distress over receiving hefty electricity bills.

    Read her posts here :

  • Nepra approves up to 51% increase in electricity prices for residential consumers

    Nepra approves up to 51% increase in electricity prices for residential consumers

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved a significant increase of up to 51 per cent in the base electricity rates for residential consumers. This adjustment is part of a new tariff schedule aimed at addressing rising energy costs.

    Under the revised rates, consumers using up to 200 units per month will see their tariffs remain unchanged until September 2024. However, from October 2024 onwards, substantial hikes will take effect, impacting millions of households across the country.

    For protected consumers using up to 100 units monthly, the tariff will rise from the current Rs7.74 to Rs11.69 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), representing a steep 51 per cent increase.

    Similarly, those consuming between 101 and 200 units will face a 41 per cent increase, with rates jumping from Rs10.06 to Rs14.16 per kWh. Notably, over 15.5 million consumers fall into this protected category.

    Non-protected consumers will also bear the brunt of these increases. For those using up to 100 units, the tariff will rise by 43 per cent, escalating from Rs16.48 to Rs23.59 per kWh. For consumption between 101 and 200 units, the rate will increase by 31 per cent, from Rs22.95 to Rs30.07 per kWh.

    For consumers exceeding 200 units, tariff increases will vary between 14 per cent and 26 per cent, effective from July 2024, with no additional changes expected for the rest of the fiscal year. Additionally, fixed charges ranging from Rs200 to Rs1,000 per kWh have been introduced for these categories.

    Nepra conducted a public hearing on 8 July to discuss government requests for an additional burden of over Rs700 billion to be passed on to electricity consumers through an average national tariff increase.

    In its final order, Nepra stated, “The authority has no objection in approving the motion along with the subsequent addendum of the federal government.”

    As a result of these changes, the average base electricity tariff will rise by Rs3.29 per unit, bringing it to Rs33.07—an 11 per cent increase compared to the fiscal year 2023-24. This decision marks a significant shift in the financial landscape for residential electricity consumers across Pakistan.

  • IMF and Pakistan reach agreement on $7 billion extended fund arrangement

    IMF and Pakistan reach agreement on $7 billion extended fund arrangement

    In a significant development, Pakistani authorities and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team have reached a staff-level agreement on a 37-month Extended Fund Arrangement (EFF) worth SDR 5,320 million or $7 billion, as per a statement issued by the IMF.

    This agreement is contingent upon approval by the IMF’s Executive Board and the timely confirmation of necessary financing assurances from Pakistan’s development and bilateral partners.

    The programme aims to build on the macroeconomic stability achieved over the past year by further strengthening public finances, reducing inflation, rebuilding external buffers, and removing economic distortions to promote private sector-led growth.

    In response to a request from Pakistani authorities, an IMF team led by Nathan Porter, IMF’s Mission Chief to Pakistan, held discussions from May 13-23, 2024, in Islamabad and virtually thereafter on IMF support for Pakistan’s medium-term policy and reform plans.

    The key policy goals of the programme include:

    1. Sustainable public finances: This will be achieved through gradual fiscal consolidation by broadening the tax base and removing exemptions, while increasing resources for critical development and social spending. The authorities plan to increase tax revenues by 1.5% of GDP in FY25 and 3% of GDP over the programme duration. The FY25 budget targets an underlying general government primary surplus of 1% of GDP (2% in headline terms). Revenue collection will be enhanced through simpler and fairer direct and indirect taxation, including properly taxing net income from the retail, export, and agriculture sectors.

    2. Fiscal balance between federal and provincial governments: A National Fiscal Pact has been signed to rebalance spending in line with the 18th constitutional amendment. This will see provincial governments taking on higher spending responsibilities for education, health, social protection, and regional public infrastructure. Provinces will also increase their tax collection efforts, particularly sales tax on services and agricultural income tax. From January 1, 2025, all provinces will harmonise their Agriculture Income Tax regimes with federal tax regimes.

    3. Reducing inflation and building external buffers: Monetary policy will focus on supporting disinflation to protect real incomes, especially for the vulnerable. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will maintain a flexible exchange rate and improve the functioning and transparency of the foreign exchange market to build reserves and buffer against shocks. Financial stability will be enhanced by deepening access to financing, strengthening financial institutions, addressing undercapitalised banks, and upgrading the crisis management framework.

    4. Energy sector reforms: The authorities aim to restore energy sector viability and minimise fiscal risks through timely adjustment of energy tariffs, decisive cost-reducing reforms, and avoiding unnecessary expansion of generation capacity. Targeted subsidy reforms will replace cross-subsidies to households with direct BISP support.

    5. Private sector and export dynamism: Efforts will be made to improve the business environment, create a level playing field for businesses, and remove state distortions. This includes improving the operations and management of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), prioritising profitable SOEs for privatisation, and enhancing transparency and governance of the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund.

    Additionally, incentives for Special Economic Zones will be phased out, agricultural support prices and subsidies will be reduced, and no new regulatory or tax-based incentives will be introduced that could distort the investment landscape.

    6. Anti-corruption and governance reforms: The authorities have committed to advancing anti-corruption measures, governance, and transparency reforms, and gradually liberalising trade policy.

    “The IMF team is grateful to the Pakistani authorities, private sector, and development partners for their hospitality during the visit to Islamabad and for the fruitful discussions,” the statement reads.

  • Why Rohit Sharma chose Wimbledon semifinals over Ambani’s Wedding?

    Rohit Sharma, India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain, preferred attending the Wimbledon semi-finals over the Ambani family wedding.

    The Ambani family reportedly held their wedding ceremony at the convention centre in Mumbai on June 12.

    Instead of attending the wedding with fellow cricketers, Rohit chose to watch the Wimbledon semifinal at the centre court.

    Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik also attended the Wimbledon semi-final with his wife, squash champion Deepika Pallikal.

    Cricketers who attended the wedding included MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, Jasprit Bumrah, Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and others.

    The probable reason behind not attending the wedding:

    One possible reason for Rohit Sharma’s absence at the wedding could be the recent change in the Mumbai Indians’ leadership. Before the IPL 2024 season, Hardik Pandya was appointed captain, replacing Rohit Sharma.

    The Ambani family owns the Mumbai Indians franchise.

  • Laughter is good for you: Japanese city makes it a must

    Laughter is good for you: Japanese city makes it a must

     
    In a strange but fun move, the city of Yamagata in Japan has made laughter a daily requirement. The government has passed a law that says people must laugh at least once a day to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.

    The law was passed after research from a local university revealed the numerous health benefits of laughter. Companies and offices are also getting in on the action, creating a laughter-friendly environment for their employees. And to top it all off, the eighth day of every month will be celebrated as ‘Laughter Day.’
     
    But not everybody finds it funny. Politicians who disagree with the law say it violates people’s constitutional rights. “Laughter is a fundamental human right, and the government can’t dictate when and how we laugh.” They argue.
     
     
    But not everyone is happy about it. Some politicians are saying the law is wrong. “Laughter is a fundamental human right, and the government can’t dictate when and how we laugh,” they argue.
    Yamagata City is firm on making laughter a priority. This unique law might just spark a global trend. Laughter truly is the best medicine, they say.

  • They did it again: The Simpsons predicted the arrival of Chahat Fateh Ali Khan

    Pakistan’s popular actor Imran Abbas has claimed that the animated series ‘The Simpsons’ had predicted the popularity of Chahat Fateh Ali Khan.

    Recently, the actor shared a video on his Instagram story of a scene from an old episode of the famous cartoon along with a screenshot of Bado Badi’s video, pointing at the striking similarities.

    The story read, “The Simpsons did it again, just like in the past, Simpsons had already predicted the doom of Fateh Ali Khan’s on us in their previous episodes.”

    The video features a character alongside one of The Simpsons’ main characters, Maggie. Both characters resemble Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, with the same hairstyle, modelled after the viral model Wijdan Rao in the picture.

    Imran Abbas, a Pakistani actor with 9 million Instagram followers, expressed surprise at the uncanny resemblance.