Author: newsdesk

  • Two terrorists linked with RAW caught in Karachi

    Two terrorists linked with RAW caught in Karachi

    Karachi police and intelligence agencies caught two terrorists connected to India’s main intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), during a targeted operation, Korangi Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hasan Sardar confirmed on Monday.

    Korangi police and agencies worked together to stop a major terrorist plan targeting a city.

    The SSP confirmed that police found two hand grenades, a 9mm gun, and bullets from the arrested terrorists.

    In the past, there have been several incidents where RAW agents were caught infiltrating Pakistani territory for intelligence gathering and terrorist activities.

    Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi exposed the “sophisticated and sinister” Indian campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings.

  • Pakistan cricket team reaches Ireland under leadership of Babar Azam

    Pakistan cricket team reaches Ireland under leadership of Babar Azam

    Pakistan’s 17-member cricket team has reached Ireland to play a three-matchT20 series under the leadership of Babar Azam.

    The national cricket team will rest today and the first training session will be on May 9. The T20 matches will be played in Dublin on May 12, 10 and 14.

    The Pakistan cricket team will reach England after completing the tour of Ireland to play a four match T20 series before T20 world cup. This series will start from May 22 to May 30.

    Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan are included in squad.

  • Toshakhana luxury car case: Nawaz wants to be declared not guilty

    Toshakhana luxury car case: Nawaz wants to be declared not guilty

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif asked an accountability court on Tuesday to drop charges against him in the Toshakhana reference.

    Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Rana Muhammad Arif Khan filed the petition. President Asif Ali Zardari and former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani are also accused in the same case.
    The prosecutor representing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) stated in court that he would forward the application to NAB headquarters.

    After that, the court issued a notice on Nawaz’s plea for May 23 and adjourned the hearing till June 3.
    Earlier this month, NAB cleared the PML-N leader of any wrongdoing in a case about him getting a luxury car from the Toshakhana (gift repository).

  • Apple unveils new iPad Pro with M4 chip at ‘Let Loose’ event

    Apple unveils new iPad Pro with M4 chip at ‘Let Loose’ event

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, described the recent “Let Loose” event as “the biggest day for iPad since its introduction.”

    The tech giant introduced significant updates to the iPad Air and iPad Pro, along with the launch of a new Apple Pencil Pro and an updated Magic Keyboard, tailored specifically for these new iPads.

    iPad Air: Two display sizes and new color options

    The latest iPad Air now comes in two sizes, an 11-inch model and a larger 13-inch version, both powered by the advanced M2 chip.

    Other enhancements include the addition of spatial audio for immersive sound and the relocation of the front-facing camera to the landscape edge, facilitating better video calls.

    Alongside the classic space grey and starry finishes, Apple has introduced new blue and purple color options, offering a wider variety of choices.

    iPad Pro: A leap in display technology and performance

    Apple’s updated iPad Pro features a revolutionary display technology called Tandem OLED, available in both the 11-inch and 13-inch models.

    The iPad Pro now boasts the powerful M4 chip, providing a substantial performance boost.

    Apple claims that this new chip makes the iPad Pro “four times faster” than its predecessor, a surprising leap given that these advanced chips were expected to debut in the Mac series.

    The iPad Pro will be available in space black and silver finishes.

    Apple Pencil Pro: Precision and new features

    The new Apple Pencil Pro is designed to offer greater precision and control, thanks to its built-in gyroscope that allows users to fine-tune their tools.

    A unique squeeze feature enables users to quickly switch between tools, adding a new layer of functionality.

    Additionally, the Pencil Pro now integrates with Apple’s FindMy feature, providing a simple way to locate the Pencil if it is misplaced.

    As with the previous model, the Pencil Pro is magnetically charged and can be attached to the iPad for easy transport.

    Magic Keyboard: Lighter and thinner for enhanced portability

    Apple has redesigned the Magic Keyboard to be lighter and thinner to complement the new iPad Pro’s sleek profile.

    It features an aluminium trackpad, a row of function keys, and comes in two color options to match the iPad Pro.

    The Magic Keyboard will be available in two sizes: the 11-inch model priced at $299 and the 13-inch model at $349.

  • Govt plans to increase retirement age to reduce pension spending

    Govt plans to increase retirement age to reduce pension spending

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has announced that the government is set to introduce pension reforms as part of a broader strategy to implement structural changes ahead of signing a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The proposed reforms aim to bring pension expenses under control and extend the retirement age, reflecting a shift in societal perceptions about aging.

    Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Information Minister Atta Tarar, Aurangzeb highlighted the need to manage growing pension costs.

    He suggested that raising the retirement age is a key component of the reforms.

    “Age is now just a number. 60 is the new 40,” Aurangzeb remarked, pointing out that many individuals remain productive well into their 60s.

    He cited his previous role as CEO of Habib Bank Limited (HBL), where the retirement age was increased from 60 to 65, illustrating the benefits of extended career longevity.

    To address the rising pension expenditures, Aurangzeb stated that changes to the civil service structure are needed.

    In the fiscal year 2023-24, Pakistan allocated Rs801 billion for superannuation allowances and pensions, representing a 31 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year’s allocation of Rs609 billion.

    Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar noted that implementing pension reforms would require legislation, as it impacts a wide range of sectors, including civil servants, armed forces, judicial organs, and executive branches.

    Tarar added that a committee has been established under the chairmanship of the finance minister to propose recommendations for pension reforms. “The recommendations, when finalised, will be shared with the public,” he assured.

    In other news, Aurangzeb discussed the recent visit by a Saudi delegation to Pakistan, which he described as a “confidence booster.”

    The discussions with the Saudi delegation were positive, reinforcing the country’s commitment to moving in the right direction.

    Looking ahead, Aurangzeb announced that the IMF mission would arrive in Pakistan this month for key talks on structural reforms.

    These discussions will focus on several crucial areas, including increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio from the current 9 per cent to a more sustainable 13-14 per cent, reforming the energy sector, and privatising State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

    The finance minister also highlighted the need to reduce non-development expenditure and commended the Sindh government’s Public-Private-Partnership model as a successful strategy that could be replicated at the federal level.

  • Israel shows no sign of accepting ceasefire

    Israel shows no sign of accepting ceasefire

    The ceasefire. The one that Palestinians still in Rafah were waiting for. Hamas had agreed to the ceasefire terms but Israel has once again, delayed any possibility of peace in the region.

    Israel’s unapologetic dissent comes despite global pressure calling for an end to the seven-month genocide of Palestinians which has now killed more than 34,000 people.

    As per the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the three-phase ceasefire is in ‘contradiction with Israel’s demands’ and a delegation will reportedly be sent to Cairo for talks.

    On the other hand, according to sources from Al Jazeera, Hamas claims that Netanyahu deliberately undermined the recent discussions while reports in the Israeli media of Hamas accepting a deal is also being discredited, deeming it as a “ruse designed to make Israel look like they had sabotaged the deal”.

    Ironically, at the same time, Israeli military has invaded the Rafah crossing.

    “By deciding to close the Rafah and Kerem Shalom [Karem Abu Salem] border crossing, Israel is leading the region toward a disaster and continues its policy of starvation and persecution of [Palestinians],” said Hamas.

    Hamas has also called for “international intervention” to prompt Israel into accepting the ceasefire.

    Previously, Hamas deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya confirmed to Al Jazeera that US President Biden personally committed to the implementation of the ceasefire deal.

    He told the Qatari news network that Egyptian and Qatari mediators had told Hamas that the United States president was committed to making sure that the agreement was enforced.

    However, there hasn’t been confirmation of this from the American side.

    The US confirmed that work was being done ‘right now’ to ensure peace. State Department spokesperson Miller didn’t give a timeframe for how long the details of the ceasefire would take but he said that the CIA director is “literally working on this right now”.

    “It’s something that is a top priority for everyone in this administration from the president on down,” Miller said.

    “Everyone is focused on this. Everyone is trying to get a deal over the line.”

  • ‘Gentleman’ new teasers out; OST features Atif Aslam

    ‘Gentleman’ new teasers out; OST features Atif Aslam

    A new TV drama series called ‘Gentleman’ is set to premiere soon on Green Entertainment. Directed by Haissam Hussain and produced by Samina Humayun Saeed and Sana Shahnawaz from Next Level Entertainment, the show features a stellar cast including Zahid Ahmed, Sohai Ali Abro, Ahmed Ali Butt, Adnan Siddiqui, Humayun Saeed, and Yumna Zaidi.
    The story, penned by controversial writer Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar, has garnered much anticipation. Green Entertainment recently unveiled teasers, trailers, and the original soundtrack featuring Atif Aslam. Scheduled for airing on Sunday, May 12th, the teasers have sparked public excitement.
    Teaser 3 featuring Yumna Zaidi, Humayun Saeed and Ahmed Ali Butt:

    Teaser 4 featuring the brilliant actors Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui:

    Teaser 5 featuring the brilliant Zahid Ahmed:

    Teaser 6 Featuring Ahmed Ali Butt:

    Gentleman Official Trailer featuring Atif Aslam’s OST:

  • Which film does Preity love most with Salman Khan?

    Which film does Preity love most with Salman Khan?

    Preity Zinta is busy shooting with director Rajkumar Santoshi’s for his upcoming film ‘Lahore 1947’, where she will be seen with Sunny Deol in the Aamir Khan Productions co-venture.

    Fans have asked several questions including if she has any projects lined up with Salman Khan.

    “If there is a good script, anything is possible,” replied Preity.
    She was asked about her favorite film with Salman Khan. Preity named the 2001 film ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’ as her favorite.

  • Gold prices drop again in Pakistan, 24-karat gold loses Rs500 per tola

    Gold prices drop again in Pakistan, 24-karat gold loses Rs500 per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan continued their downward trend on Tuesday, with the value of 24-karat gold dropping by Rs500 per tola, settling at Rs240,000.

    This decrease follows a substantial decline last week, when the price of 24-karat gold fell by Rs6,400 per tola. This marks a cumulative loss of Rs14,200 per tola, or approximately 5.63 per cent, over the past two weeks.

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported that the price of 24-karat gold for 10 grammes also dropped by Rs429, reaching Rs205,761.

    The price of 22-karat gold was quoted at Rs188,615 per 10-gramme, reflecting the broader trend of falling gold prices in the domestic market.

    Silver prices, however, remained steady, with 24-karat silver maintaining a consistent rate of Rs2,620 per tola and Rs2,254.8 per 10-gramme, providing some stability in the otherwise volatile precious metals market.

    On the global front, international spot gold experienced a slight decline, trading near $2,314.5 per ounce, a 0.41 per cent drop compared to the previous session.

  • Kaifi Khalil joins forces with Norway’s quick style for ‘Kana Yaari’

    Kaifi Khalil joins forces with Norway’s quick style for ‘Kana Yaari’

    Renowned singer Kaifi Khalil, famous for his global hit ‘Kahani Suno’, has teamed up for a rendition of Coke Studio megahit ‘Kana Yaari’ alongside Norway’s dance group, ‘The Quick Style’.

    Khalil, known for his exceptional talent, shared a charming moment with the Quick Style ensemble, captivating internet users with his performance.

    In a viral video circulating on social media, Khalil, dressed in a stylish black and white printed shirt, is seen immersed in the melody of ‘Kana Yaari’, strumming his guitar with infectious enthusiasm amidst the Quick Style Gang.

    The heartwarming encounter between Kaifi and Quick Style has reignited the admiration of fans, who have once again expressed their love for Khalil’s musical abilities. This interaction follows Khalil’s recent success with ‘Kahani Suno 2.0’, a song that went viral and received widespread acclaim on various social media platforms.

    Khalil continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his exceptional talent and artistic contributions, earning admiration and affection from fans across the globe.