Author: newsdesk

  • ‘I served them for 40 years and look what they did to me’, Pervaiz Elahi on establishment

    ‘I served them for 40 years and look what they did to me’, Pervaiz Elahi on establishment

    Moonis Elahi, exiled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member, gave an interview with BBC News Urdu and said that his father, Pervaiz Elahi, was downhearted by the establishment’s behaviour toward him.

    When Pervaiz Elahi asked Moonis whether he had any interaction with the establishment, Moonis replied in the negative then Elahi stated, “Don’t connect with them either, because I served them for 40 years and look what they did to me.”

    Journalist Hussain Askari asked Moonis whether he was the reason the father-son duo chose to stick with PTI even though all matters had been settled with Asif Ali Zardari, Moonis replied, “I convinced him in the beginning but after that, all the decisions were his own.”

    Askari then asked Moonis if former Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was involved in their decision to lean towards Imran Khan, he replied, “When we got offers from both sides my father called General Bajwa and asked what he should do. When Bajwa said that he should do whatever he wanted Pervez Elahi reiterated that he would do whatever General Bajwa wanted and then finally Bajwa replied that it was his wish that he [Pervez Elahi] support Imran Khan.”

  • Mona Liza responds to people saying she and Aiman Khan lookalike

    Mona Liza responds to people saying she and Aiman Khan lookalike

    Aiman Khan, a beloved celebrity in Pakistan with a massive Instagram following, is admired for her style, talent, beauty, and dedication to family. However, her fans were taken by surprise when they spotted what appeared to be Aiman dancing at an unfamiliar wedding.

    The person in question turned out to be Mona Liza, a social media content creator who bears a striking resemblance to Aiman Khan. Mona Liza’s resemblance caused a stir online, quickly going viral.

    In response to the comparisons flooding social media, Liza clarified that she has never compared herself to Aiman. She explained that people’s reactions were based solely on her appearance.

    Here is what she said:

  • ‘From Economy to Business class’: composer of Meray Pass Tum Ho’s song reveals interesting details 

    ‘From Economy to Business class’: composer of Meray Pass Tum Ho’s song reveals interesting details 

    Composer and singer Naveed Nashad, couldn’t believe how much the audience loved his song.
    Recently, Nashad appeared in Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast where he discussed his hit song, the OST of ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho.’

    “The title track of ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ was a huge hit,” Butt said, “even more so than the drama itself, that’s true.” In response to Ahmed Ali Butt’s praise, Nashad replied, “Please refrain from saying that, Nadeem Bhai (Nadeem Baig) doesn’t like it when someone mentions this.”

    Ahmed Ali Butt remarked, “but it’s true, no doubt. It’s like Humsafar; the drama was a hit, but the OST was a blockbuster.”
    Nashad explained how ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ upgraded his status from “economy to business class” and also added, “I felt like I landed on the moon”.
    Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar wrote the OST, while Nashad composed it. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan lent his voice for the song. You can also listen to the song here:

    Nashad has previously composed songs for dramas like ‘Mannat Murad’’s ‘Alif Allah Aur Insaan’.

  • What are the 50 places in Lahore where WiFi is free?

    What are the 50 places in Lahore where WiFi is free?

    The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has initiated a pilot project to provide free WiFi services at 50 spots in Lahore. The project aims to promote connectivity by giving citizens access to the internet.

    “Free WiFi started at the following (50 spots) in Lahore. Rest of Lahore is being done too. Alhamdolillah! We promise, we deliver,” CM Maryam said in an X (formerly Twitter) post. 

    During a high-level meeting with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) officials held in March, the chief minister approved the launch of the free WiFi pilot project in Lahore.

    Maryam Nawaz directed the IT department officials to begin offering free WiFi service, focusing on educational institutions, airports, railway stations, and bus stands. In Lahore, the Punjab government will provide free WiFi at 516 locations in total.

  • Punjab Police defends Maryam, says she’s entitled to wear police uniform’

    Punjab Police defends Maryam, says she’s entitled to wear police uniform’

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz landed into a controversy after donning the Punjab Police official uniform on Thursday. The provincial police department has issued a notification that the CM is indeed allowed to wear the police uniform according to Punjab Police Dress Regulations.

    On April 25, the Chief Minister took the internet by storm when she wore a police uniform while attending a passing-out parade of lady constables and traffic assistants at the Police Training College, Chung.

    The move by Maryam garnered both appreciation and criticism from people.

    Addressing the ceremony, the Punjab CM said her government wants to increase the number of female cops in the police department and also said, “I realized how much of a big responsibility it is after wearing the police uniform.”

    The Punjab Police Department, however, supported the move and clarified, “This has been widely celebrated by the police personnel, who view it as a commendable show of solidarity. The Central Police Office has received hundreds of messages in which police personnel have lauded this step.”

    Adding spice to the controversy, a citizen named Waqar Ali filed a plea in the Lahore High Court against the CM for wearing a police uniform.

    Opposition leaders such as Omar Ayub Khan also strongly condemned the move by CM Maryam.

  • Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan courageously stands up for Palestine

    Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan courageously stands up for Palestine

    Many people know Nicola Coughlan from shows like Bridgerton and Derry Girls. In a new interview with Teen Vogue, she openly showed her support for the Palestinian people who are facing a genocide in Gaza.

    “There’s a huge connection between Ireland and Palestine that maybe a lot of people aren’t aware of, and a shared history,” she explained. “To me it always becomes more about supporting innocent people. Are we supporting innocent people no matter where they’re from, who they are? That’s my drive.”

    Coughlan has been using her social media to talk about and raise money for the people in Gaza. She’s also been wearing a pin for Artists4Ceasefire. She’s not worried about having trouble getting acting jobs because of her political views. She feels good knowing that she’s using her influence to make the world better, so when she looks back on her life, she’ll know she did something good.
    “You might hear people say, ‘You won’t get jobs,’ ‘You won’t do well,’” admitted the Barbie actor. “But I believe if you know you’re standing up for innocent people, then I’m not scared of what others think.”

    Coughlan knows she has a big influence because she’s famous. “I’m lucky I’ve come this far in my career, especially as a white woman,” she said. Talking about being in the spotlight, she added, “I love my job, and I’m grateful I get to travel and meet amazing people. I feel like I need to give back because of this.”

    Even before she was on TV, Coughlan was involved in making the world better. “I supported different causes,” she remembered. “I campaigned for marriage equality and marched for abortion rights in Ireland. I’ve always cared about fairness and helping people.”
    With the first part of Bridgerton season three coming on May 16, Coughlan can focus on her successful TV career without worrying about being rejected because of her beliefs.

  • If Nawaz had even a one percent desire to be PM, could anyone stop him? PMLN Senator

    If Nawaz had even a one percent desire to be PM, could anyone stop him? PMLN Senator

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senator Irfan Siddiqui said on Friday that neither an “unseen power” nor Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blocked the way of the former prime minister’s return to the PM house.

    Speaking during Geo News programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Siddiquie said that he rejects the idea that an “unseen power” or PM Shehbaz blocked Nawaz Sharif from becoming prime minister for the fourth time.

    The senator said that when he met Nawaz before the election, he felt that Nawaz was not eager to take the role.

    “I was present in the meeting where Nawaz Sharif announced to give the premiership to Shehbaz Sharif. Even if Nawaz had even 1% desire to become PM, is there any power that could stop him from becoming PM?” he asked.

  • SBP likely to hold interest rate at record 22% amid IMF negotiations

    SBP likely to hold interest rate at record 22% amid IMF negotiations

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is expected to maintain its record 22 per cent interest rate at its upcoming policy meeting on Monday.

    This marks the seventh consecutive meeting with rates held steady, as Pakistan navigates discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new long-term funding arrangement.

    The central bank’s decision comes ahead of an IMF Executive Board meeting to discuss a $1.1 billion disbursement, the final tranche of a $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement.

    A Reuters poll of 14 analysts predicts the SBP will hold its rate, though there are mixed forecasts within the group.

    Four analysts anticipate a 100-basis-point (bps) cut, while two expect a 50-bps cut. Eight believe the SBP will cut rates before securing a new IMF programme.

    The central bank’s next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting is scheduled for June 10, potentially before Pakistan’s expected new IMF agreement.

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb mentioned that discussions with the IMF for a longer-term programme will begin next month, aiming for a staff-level agreement by early July.

    Pakistan’s last rate hike was in June 2023 to combat inflation and meet IMF requirements. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for March showed a 20.7 per cent increase from the previous year, with a peak of 38 per cent in May.

    However, inflation is slowing, partly due to the “base effect,” with April’s CPI expected to be around 17.5 per cent, according to businessman Arif Habib.

    The SBP’s monetary policy decisions will consider various factors, including inflation trends and geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices.

    Tahir Abbas, head of research at Arif Habib Limited, suggests rates won’t be cut until a new IMF programme is in place.

    Looking ahead, Mustafa Pasha, Chief Investment Officer at Lakson Investments, predicts a small rate reduction in the current quarter, with significant cuts in the September quarter.

    According to Business Recorder, this is driven by the need to roll over approximately 6.7 trillion rupees in domestic treasury bills in late 2024 and expected stabilization in inflation and foreign exchange inflows.

    He forecasts that the interest rate could settle around 17 per cent by December.

  • Major seizure: RTO Rawalpindi destroys 25 million smuggled cigarettes

    Major seizure: RTO Rawalpindi destroys 25 million smuggled cigarettes

    The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi carried out a significant operation on Thursday to destroy a large quantity of illicit, smuggled, counterfeit, and non-duty-paid cigarettes. The estimated value of the destroyed products was approximately Rs194 million.

    The event, held at Chakbeli Road in Rawalpindi, involved the destruction of 2,585 packrites, which equates to 25,580,000 cigarette sticks.

    Chief Commissioner of RTO Rawalpindi, Tehmina Aamer, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

    The event was attended by several key stakeholders, including members of the World Health Organization (WHO) and officers from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

    During the ceremony, the participants were briefed on the entire process, from the initial confiscation of illicit tobacco and tobacco products to their eventual destruction, in accordance with the law.

    Following the briefing, the distinguished guests collectively set fire to the seized cigarettes, effectively destroying them.

    This operation underscores the RTO Rawalpindi’s commitment to combatting the illegal trade of tobacco products and ensuring compliance with national and international regulations.

    The destruction of these illicit cigarettes also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect public health and maintain the integrity of the country’s tax and revenue system.

  • Local gold price rises by Rs2,500, reaching Rs245,000 per tola

    Local gold price rises by Rs2,500, reaching Rs245,000 per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan increased on Friday, reflecting a similar upward trend in the international markets.

    The price per tola (approximately 11.66 grammes) of gold reached Rs245,000, marking a single-day increase of Rs2,500. This comes after a modest gain of Rs500 on Thursday.

    The rates for 10 grammes of gold also saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs210,048 following a rise of Rs2,143, as reported by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA).

    This surge in local prices corresponds with a jump in international gold prices, which rose by $21 per ounce to settle at $2,343 (including a premium of $20) on Friday.

    Despite these increases in gold prices, silver rates remained unchanged, with the price per tola staying steady at Rs2,650.

    The recent volatility in gold prices underscores the impact of international market trends on the local Pakistani market.

    Last week, the price of gold reached an all-time high in Pakistan, with a tola selling for Rs252,200.

    The fluctuations in precious metal prices are closely monitored by investors and consumers alike, as they reflect broader economic trends and market sentiments.

    For gold traders and investors in Pakistan, these price shifts suggest a continuing trend of fluctuation, likely influenced by global economic factors and investor demand.

    The APGJSA will continue to provide updates on market trends and price changes as they occur.