Author: newsdesk

  • Did Tribune delete a story about German Ambassador’s letter to COAS Asim Munir?

    Did Tribune delete a story about German Ambassador’s letter to COAS Asim Munir?

    In a surprising development, The Express Tribune’s website has deleted an article by journalist Shahbaz Rana about the German Ambassador’s letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir urging his intervention over the termination of an IPP deal.

    Although the article is still available in print and e-newspaper, it cannot be found anywhere on the website. Netizens wondered about the sudden disappearance of the article while also archiving it on social media.

    Shahbaz Rana revealed in the story that German Ambassador Alfred Grannas wrote to the army chief after German investor Siemens was allegedly forced to agree to a settlement for shutting down a 450 MW power plant. However, the government maintains that the agreement was a mutually negotiated settlement rather than a coerced decision.

    Rana wrote: “Siemens holds a 26 percent stake in Rousch Pakistan Power Limited, one of the five power plants whose contracts were terminated this month in an effort to reduce electricity costs by 60 paisa per unit. Germany, however, hasn’t accepted this termination but is willing to end the contract if Pakistan meets at least six conditions.”

    The German ambassador, in his letter to the COAS, stated that the “unusual manner in which these negotiations continue to be conducted is already damaging the trust of German enterprises and investors.”

    The German investor has proposed six conditions for an amicable resolution. First is the guarantee from the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan to ensure all settlement funds, currency transfers, historic and future dividends be transferred to German bank accounts. Secondly, the German investor seeks the resolution of a sales tax dispute with FBR and the withdrawal of all pending legal proceedings against the plant.

    Thirdly, it proposed that after the handover, Siemens seeks release from any ongoing maintenance or preservation obligations for the complex.
    Fourthly, an amendment in the indemnification clause in the settlement agreement should be made to include protection for all board directors.
    Fifth, board members and shareholders must be indemnified, defended, and held harmless from and against any claims or taxes related to the project and its termination. Lastly, an immediate transfer of Rs. 3.1 billion in dividend arrears to Germany as a gesture of good faith.

    It should be noted that the Rousch power plant contract has been renegotiated three times since 2000, each time resulting in less than guaranteed dividend payments to investors and shareholders.

  • Government just made it easier for you to get a passport

    Government just made it easier for you to get a passport

    The passport department has amended the rules governing the issuance of passports as citizens will now be able to get their passport made from any city across the country regardless of the address mentioned in their computerised national identity card (CNIC).

    The letter of amendment has been sent to regional offices.

    Directorate General (DG) of Immigration and Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi told Geo News that the decision by the federal government was made in light of the increasing issues faced by the citizens due to these restrictions.

    As per the official statement, passport applications will not be refused if citizens’ residential address on CNIC is different from the area they are applying for the travel document.

    Furthermore, the backlog of passports for people travelling across the country is expected to be cleared soon which will make the process even smoother.

    10 advanced printing machines imported from outside the country have been included in the passport machinery and the installation is underway.

    Express Tribune sources say that these machines will be fully operational within the next few days.

    However, it is expected that this will double the printing capacity of passport office and reduce the waiting time for citizens applying for passports.

    Earlier, in August this year long delays in the issuance of passports created inconvenience for the applicants.

    The Passport and Immigration Department had confirmed that it failed to deliver passports to over 500,000 individuals on time, despite collecting millions of rupees in fees.

    Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the National Assembly that the issue would be resolved by the end of September after the installation of new machinery and software as this gap between demand and supply is the reason of the delay.

    The department, however, attributed the delays to a sudden increase in the number of Pakistanis seeking to travel abroad due to the plummeting economy of the country.

    Notably, Passport Office recieves 40,000 to 50,000 applications daily but, even at full capacity it can only print 20,000 to 22,000 passports per day.
    As a result, more than 500,000 people across the country are waiting for their passports despite having paid fee.

    Those opting for the fast-track passport service-costing between Rs 20,000 and Rs 27,000-are receiving their passports within a week.

    The passport office has expressed optimism about the installation of the new system as it will increase the daily capacity for issuing passports from 26,000 to 60,000.

  • Babar Azam’s bat to go up next to Don Bradman, Brian Lara’s bats at MCG

    Babar Azam’s bat to go up next to Don Bradman, Brian Lara’s bats at MCG

    Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s bat will be put up for display at the Long Room of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

    According to reports, MCG officials have asked Babar Azam to donate a bat of his for the Long Room, after which Babar donated the bat he used in the 2022 T20 World Cup final.

    The bats of cricketing legends Don Bradman, David Bone, Jack Hobbs and Brian Lara are also on display in the MCG Long Room.

    “It is an honor for my bat to be showcased in the Long Room. I have a lot of memories associated with the MCG. It is one of the best grounds with the bats of the greatest batsmen of the world. It is an honor to have my bat put up for display [here],” Babar said.

    Steeped in history and tradition, the Long Room is iconic in every sense. The famous leather couches offer premium views of the hallowed turf and are complimented by a fine selection of sporting memorabilia on display.

    The Long Room was earlier known as the “Members’ Lounge” with the back section of the room known as the “Members’ Dining Room”. The area was renamed the “Long Room” in 1958.

    The foundation stone from the second pavilion is located in the centre of the Long Room. It also houses portraits of a number of past presidents, a vice-president and secretaries of the club.

  • Surprise parties and scenic views: Where did Asim Azhar spend his birthday?

    Surprise parties and scenic views: Where did Asim Azhar spend his birthday?

    Singer Asim Azhar has declared his 29th birthday as the best one of his life.

    He shared pictures and videos from his visit to Madinah Munawara on Instagram, where he celebrated his birthday with his parents.

    He also offered salutations to the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in his beautiful voice while gazing at the green dome of the Prophet’s Mosque ﷺ.

    In the caption, he wrote, “Thanks be to Allah! This is the best birthday of my life.”

    He also expressed his love for his fans, adding, “Thank you all for your good wishes, prayers, and love.”

    Fans and prominent personalities from the entertainment industry have showered him with birthday wishes, showing appreciation for his heartfelt post.

    Check the pictures below:

    Earlier, Meerub Ali hosted a surprise birthday bash for her boyfriend and A-list singer Asim Azhar in Lahore. The Sinf-e-Aahan diva arranged the party at a café in old Lahore with the backdrop of Badshahi Mosque.

    The birthday bash was based on the theme of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography. The Tera Woh Pyar singer is a huge fan of the Don 2 actor.

    Earlier he announced his engagement via Instagram on Sunday to his rumoured girlfriend and longtime friend, Model Merub Ali.

    The pair posted identical announcements on Instagram on Sunday. “Shukar Alhamdulillah [Thank you God]. With the grace of Allah Almighty and our parent’s duas, we announce our Imam Zamin – engagement. May Allah SWT keep us protected and this happy forever, Ameen. Keep us in your prayers,” read their posts.

    There were many speculations prior to the announcement but the duo never confirmed their relationship publicly. In an interview, Ali said, “We’re great family friends and have known each other since childhood. My brother is his best friend and our mothers are best friends.”

    Merub is Asim’s best friend Raamis’s sister. The singer’s best friend also congratulated the couple.

    After, the announcement, congratulations began pouring in under both their posts from their celebrity friends.

  • Suspects in AP Dhillon shooting case to appear in Canadian court today

    Suspects in AP Dhillon shooting case to appear in Canadian court today

    The suspects involved in the shooting outside the house of Indian-born Canadian singer and rapper Amrit Pal Singh Dhillon, also known as AP Dhillon, will be “arrested and presented in court today,” media reports have claimed.

    Shots were fired outside AP Dhillon’s residence in Vancouver, Canada, in early September leading to two vehicles being burned.

    Subsequently, the notorious Indian gang of Lawrence Bishnoi took responsibility for the attack, claiming that their attack was prompted by AP Dhillon casting superstar Salman Khan in a music video.

    CCTV footage of the incident later emerged online, leading Canadian police to arrest 25-year-old Indian man Abhijit Kangra from Ontario for his alleged involvement. Another Indian citizen, Vikram Sharma, has also been arrested, and an arrest warrant has been issued.

    Canadian police confirmed that “Abhijit Kangra has been charged with setting fire to vehicles using a firearm” and will be arraigned in an Ontario court today.

    Lawrence Bishnoi gang is also under investigation for the murders of Indian Punjabi singers Sidhu Moosewala and Baba Siddique and has issued threats against actor Salman Khan.

    India media reports say that imprisoned gangster Lawrence Biishnoi and outlaw Rohit Godhra have accepted responsibility for the incident.

    An alleged threat made rounds on social media claiming that on the night of September 1, the gang carried out shootings at Victoria Island and Woodbridge, Toronto.

    The gangs warned the singer to “stay within his limits, or he will meet a dog’s death.”

    The incident is similar is to what happened on April 14, when gunshots were fired outside actor Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence in Bandra. Later, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol claimed responsibility for the shooting.

    Indian media reports that the authorities in Canada have initiated an investigation to determine the authenticity of the post.

    In response to the attack, AP Dhillon wrote on Instagram, “I’m safe, my people are safe. Thank you to everyone who reached out. Your support means everything.”

    In November, Bishnoi had taken responsibility for an alleged gunshot at Indian Punjabi singer and musician Gippy Grewal’s home last year in Vancouver’s White Rock neighborhood.

  • Zahid Ahmed reveals spiritual transformation: ‘I found peace in namaz’

    Zahid Ahmed reveals spiritual transformation: ‘I found peace in namaz’


    Actor Zahid Ahmed has discovered that real happiness comes from within, a realization that came about through a journey of faith and peace through prayer.
     Recently, Ahmed appeared as a guest on After Hours, where he opened up about his spiritual journey. The actor is known for brilliant acting and a powerful voice that have led him to many commercial successes. Behind the fame, he’s been on a personal journey to find peace and purpose.
     
    The host, Ushna Shah, asked, “You are a very spiritual person, far as I know, you offer prayers (Namaz), tell me about your spiritual journey?”
     
     Zahid replied, “I just came to a point where I realized that, you know, there’s only so much to the world, and we’re not here to earn, pay bills, and die. There has to be a bigger purpose to life; there has to be a bigger calling. And, you know, when you get most of what people aspire in life…..after experiencing respect, money, fame, and all that, if there is still a restlessness inside me that is not being fulfilled in any way, then that thing compelled me to find out what it is and how it can be fulfilled.”         
        
     
    The Zara Yaad actor found peace by turning to his faith and looking within himself; he said, “Literally, by submitting my will to Allah, Alhamdulillah, it’s been six to seven years that I’m consistent in establishing Namaz.” His story is an inspiring example of how looking inward and turning to one’s faith can bring true contentment, especially when worldly achievements fall short.
    Currently, Zahid is starring in the drama serial Jaan Se Pyara Juni.
     
     
    Earlier, during the launch of Shark Tank, Something Haute host Hassan Chaudhary said, “I have to ask about Faris for those who are really enjoying Faris’s performance, what would you like to say to them?”
    Zahid Ahmed replied, “I don’t love that character, I don’t even hate that character, I just did my job as an actor. For me, it’s enough that Humayun Bhai personally contacted me and asked me to play this character. It was a pleasure working with Humayun Saeed, Yumna, Adnan Siddiqui, and Sohail, so it was amazing; you just do your job when you sign it. I was up for it because I had never had the opportunity to work with him.

  • ‘Climate does not recognise boundaries’; India’s state minister calls for South Asia alliance to tackle smog

    ‘Climate does not recognise boundaries’; India’s state minister calls for South Asia alliance to tackle smog

    India’s Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, recently talked to a Pakistani platform, The Citizenry, where he emphasised the need for an “inclusive” approach to combat smog that has plagued both India and Pakistan since the start of October.

    COP 16 is taking place in Cali, Colombia. It is the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Today is the last day of the convention.

    The convention seeks to “protect 30% of the planet, including terrestrial, marine and freshwater areas, transforming them into protected areas by the end of this decade. In addition, the framework emphasizes the restoration and protection of critical ecosystems, such as rainforests and wetlands.”

    However, one of the delegates and the state minister of environment from India, while talking to the media, called for reviving the SAARC Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution as he submitted its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at the UN biodiversity conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia.

    Singh emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in combating ever-rising air pollution in the Punjab region on both sides of the border, particularly in metropolitan centres like New Delhi and Lahore, where the Air Quality Index has soared to hazardous levels.

    While talking to the media at the conference in the Blue Zone, an area designated for negotiations and dialogues between member countries, he responded to a question asked by the Citizenry’s Oonib Azam by saying, “Since climate change does not recognise any national or political boundaries, we need an inclusive and collective approach that involves all governments.”

    Reportedly, India became the second SAARC country, after Afghanistan, to submit its update. India’s NBSAP included achievements such as “planting 98 million trees” and “efforts to conserve and restore India’s coastline”.

    However, Pakistan’s representation was limited to a single official delegate, Naeem Ashraf Raja, director of the Biodiversity Programme at the Ministry of Climate Change, who did not submit the biodiversity plan on the country’s behalf.

    The Indian minister also highlighted his country’s readiness to assist neighbouring countries in updating their NBSAPs that include knowledge, capacity building and infrastructure support.

    Additionally, he said that biodiversity conservation “must be integrated into broader, environmental and developmental strategies to combat climate change, reduce land degradation and promote sustainable livelihood”.

    Singh stressed the importance of a two-pronged approach to address regional air pollution and explained his side of the story by describing that there is a need for alternative solutions for farmers and, secondly, a strong legal framework within the country.

    “If issues such as pollution are not addressed, there can be no ‘Peace with Nature,’” he said, alluding to the COP16 theme.

    Earlier on October 30, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz spoke at a Diwali ceremony, during which she hinted at writing a letter to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab on the issue of smog.

    “We need to have diplomacy with India regarding the issue of smog in Lahore. I’m thinking of writing a letter to the Punjab Chief Minister [Bhagwant Mann] in India that this is not just a political issue, this is a humanitarian issue,” CM said while addressing the ceremony in Lahore, adding that if Pakistan makes this move, India should reciprocate.

    She even pointed out, “The winds don’t know there’s a border in the middle,” referencing the popular narrative of winds from India beginning pollutants to Lahore.

    “Until both Punjabs come together, we won’t be able to tackle the issue of smog,” she asserted.

    Effective from yesterday, the Punjab government has also imposed a “green lockdown” in Lahore, under which restrictions will be imposed on identified smog hotspots.

    The announcement was made in light of increasing pollution levels in the provincial capital, which continues to rank at the top of the world’s worst air quality index.

    Notably, the Pakistan Air Quality Experts Group (PAQx), comprising leading air quality experts, researchers, doctors and scientists, has issued a collective statement on the Punjab government’s “Smog Mitigation Plan”, criticising the measures taken by the provincial government as “lacking to deal with the scale of the challenge”.

  • Five schoolchildren among 7 killed in Mastung blast

    Five schoolchildren among 7 killed in Mastung blast

    Seven people, including five schoolchildren, a police officer and a passerby, were killed in a blast on Friday morning near Civil Hospital Chowk in Mastung, Balochistan.

    “So far, seven individuals have been martyred, including five school students, and 17 others have sustained injuries,” Kalat Division Commissioner Naeem Bazai confirmed to the press.

    According to the commissioner, the blast occurred at around 8:35 am near a high school for girls at Mastung Civil Hospital Chowk.

    “It appears that an IED [improvised explosive device] attached to a motorcycle was detonated near a police mobile,” he said.

    Mastung District Police Officer (DPO) Miandad Umrani said the explosion damaged a police van and multiple auto-rickshaws present near the site of the attack.

    District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Medical Superintendent Nisar Ahmad Baloch told a private media outlet that 30 injured, mostly schoolchildren, were currently being treated at the DHQ as well as Nawab Hospital in Mastung.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Sarfraz Bugti have condemned the blast.

    “We will avenge the murder of innocent children and people. The menace of terrorism can only be fought with unity,” CM Bugti wrote.

  • ‘You are not my boss’; Marwat hits back at Salman Akram Raja, then deletes post

    ‘You are not my boss’; Marwat hits back at Salman Akram Raja, then deletes post

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders are once again airing their dirty laundry in public view; this time, the brawl is between Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and maverick Sher Afzal Marwat.

    It all started when Sher Afzal Marwat, while talking to Matiullah Jan, stated that he did not vote for Hamid Khan group in the recent Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) elections.

    “I did not want to vote for Hamid Khan’s candidates in the SCBA, neither did I want to vote for the other group’s candidates, so I did not vote,” said Marwat.

    Matiullah Jan, with a surprising reaction, asked Marwat whether his action put PTI at a disadvantage.

    He replied: “How did I put PTI at a disadvantage? Hamid Khan passes some statements or other arguments against me. He should be thankful that I did not campaign against his candidates; otherwise, I could uld have had 30-40 votes. Nobody came to me to ask for any votes.”

    A day later, Secretary General PTI Salman Akram Raja told reporters, “Sher Afzal Marwat must control himself, we are giving him a chance, if he wants to play a role in party, if he does not show discipline, we will take action.”

    In a since-deleted post on X, Marwat wrote: “I am very saddened by the statement issued by Mr Salman Akram Raja adv against me. I was willing to work with you, but neither you are my boss nor do you have any authority to control me. Please bear in mind for all times I am only answerable to Khan sb and Chairman Barrister Gohar. Nobody else matters. Thank you.”

    Marwat the Maverick has seen his star wane after constant battles within the party forced him to leave the centre stage. The media’s darling, Marwat, landed in hot water with his colleagues over his outspokenness in the early part of this year.

    In his recent attack on PTI, Marwat alleged last week that the KP government, led by Ali Amin Gandapur, did not want Imran Khan to be released from jail. A day later, he said Ali’s actions could pave the way for Governor Raj in the province.

    This isn’t the first time that the PTI leaders have been witnessed fighting with each other. Last month when, PTI’s Hammad Azhar insisted that the protest be held despite the SCO starting on the same day. Gandapur replied: “You are in hiding yourself yet you are telling party members to come out and protest.” He then pointed his guns towards PTI Punjab. “I came to Islamabad twice [to protest] but PTI Punjab leadership could not be found anywhere.”

  • ‘They look once and move on’: Ayesha Toor praises Karachi’s men

    ‘They look once and move on’: Ayesha Toor praises Karachi’s men

    Actress Ayesha Toor believes that women often face less harassment in the metropolitan city of Karachi in comparison to other cities in Pakistan.

    During her recent appearance on the FHM podcast, she shared her experiences living in Sindh’s capital, shedding light on the city’s complexities and impact on women.

    “Karachi is a city full of problems. There are no roads, there are incidents of theft and robbery, and there are many problems, including water and electricity, but despite all this, I like the people of Karachi,” she said.

    Talking about the treatment of women in Pakistan, Toor asserted that “When you leave home in Karachi, the people [men] will see you once, but then they will turn their backs and carry on with their work. People here do not harass women.”

    “If there is any problem on the road, people come to your help,” Toor further pointed out.

    “The people of Karachi do not have enough time to create problems for women. If I talk about myself, I have never faced as many problems in Karachi as I have encountered in Punjab,” she reflected on her experiences.

    “I do not see as much dominance of men in Karachi as I see in Lahore or Islamabad. Although there is a lot of hospitality and love in Lahore, but male temperament is dominant there, while in Karachi, it is not like that”, Ayesha concluded.

    The host, Adnan Faisal, also asked Ayesha Toor about her daily gym routine, to which she responded by discussing the balance between exercise and diet, especially in the context of cultural food preferences.

    “In my opinion, the gym is just 20 per cent of the effort. Pakistani people say that home-cooked meals at night are very healthy, and dishes like karahi are common,” she said.

    “To be honest, I love eating. I’m Punjabi and Pakistani, and life without karahi isn’t enjoyable; I have to eat karahi. My biggest issue is not food but my sugar addiction. I am addicted to sugar, and it’s a serious addiction,” she added, saying that she has struggled in trying to overcome her sweet tooth.

    “My food is very clean and healthy, prepared in pure desi ghee. I pay attention to what I’m eating. But as soon as it hits 9 PM, I think, ‘Life is short; I need to eat cake,’ so I have a slice of chocolate cake almost every other night. It seems that your calorie deficit is probably not working out, considering the indulgences you allow yourself in the evening”, Ayesha admitted.