Author: newsdesk

  • Turning tide? UAE reportedly suspends diplomatic ties with Israel as White House finally shows action

    In the aftermath of Israel’s assassination of seven WCK aid workers, including westerners, the tide finally seems to be turning against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

    Hours after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja broke fast with Israeli President Isaac Herzog – a move that garnered heavy criticism- the Gulf nation reportedly suddenly suspended diplomatic ties with the country.

    The move comes in the immediate aftermath of the White House finally showing real anger at Israel. First, in a press briefing, National Security Advisor John Kirby, who one day earlier had defended Israel on the killing of the WCK aid workers, ominously said, “If we don’t see changes from their side there will have to be changes on our side.”

    A White House readout on a call between American President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the former told the latter that US policy on Gaza will depend on an assessment of Israel taking immediate action on implementing “a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.” The read out further elaborated that Biden told Netanyahu that US policy on Gaza will hinge on Israel taking steps to protect aid workers: “He made clear that US policy…will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.”

    This turning of the tide also took place after Muslims refused to attend and walked out of the White House Iftar that is an annual affair at the American Presidency. The backlash was so intense that the Biden administration had to cancel the iftar altogether after meeting Muslim leaders.

    Israel wantonly targeted WCK workers earlier in the week, striking their vehicles thrice to ensure that each one was killed. The workers were from Australia, Poland, UK, and US/Canada.

  • SBP’s foreign exchange reserves rise by $18.5 million

    SBP’s foreign exchange reserves rise by $18.5 million

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) saw an increase in its foreign exchange reserves, rising by $18.5 million or 0.23 per cent week over week (WoW), reaching $8.04 billion by the week ending March 29, 2024, according to the latest data released by the central bank on Thursday.

    However, the country’s overall reserves took a dip, decreasing by $48.7 million, or 0.36 per cent of WoW, and settling at $13.38 billion. 

    This decline is attributed to a drop in reserves held by commercial banks, which fell by $67.2 million, or 1.24 per cent of WoW, reaching $5.34 billion.

    It’s important to note that in the current fiscal year, total liquid foreign reserves have increased by $4.22 billion, or 46.06 per cent. 

    Additionally, the ongoing calendar year has seen an increase of $0.71 billion, or 5.57 per cent.

  • Gold price reaches all-time high of Rs241,100 per tola

    Gold price reaches all-time high of Rs241,100 per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan have hit a fresh record high, with the 24-karat gold reaching Rs241,100 per tola in today’s trading session. 

    This marks an increase of Rs2,200 per tola compared to the previous session’s close.

    It’s important to highlight that the previous peak for 24-K gold stood at Rs240,000, noted on May 10, 2023. 

    However, the all-time intraday high for gold has not been surpassed yet. According to the Karachi Sarafa Association, the highest intraday price recorded stands at Rs242,700.

    The current surge in domestic gold prices has been ongoing since March, with the precious metal seeing a significant increase of Rs19,100 in line with the rise in international gold prices.

    The association also reported that the price of 24-karat gold reached Rs206,704 per 10 grammes, marking an increase of Rs1,886 compared to the previous session. 

    Similarly, the price of 22-karat gold saw an uptick, reaching Rs189,480 per 10 gramme.

  • Doctor refutes allegations of poisoning Bushra Bibi

    Doctor refutes allegations of poisoning Bushra Bibi

    Doctor Asim, Bushra Bibi’s physician, has said that she’s not being poisoned, contrary to her recent allegations.

    Former First Lady Bushra Bibi had earlier alleged that her food was poisoned due to which she was in poor health.
    She is currently incarcerated in a sub-jail at her husband Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence where she had passed the remarks.

    On Wednesday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership demanded that a full medical checkup of Bibi should be conducted. Even Imran Khan, former Prime Minister, told the court that his wife was being poisoned and that she had marks on her skin and tongue.

    He also requested in court that Dr Asim Yunus of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre should medically examine Bushra Bibi.

    Today, her physician Dr Asim examined her and briefed the media that there were no symptoms of food poisoning at the moment.

    He stated that Bushra Bibi’s health was not 100 per cent fine and detailed tests should be done. “If there was anything two months ago, I did not see it but her health is better now,” Dr Asim declared.

  • Don’t take Imran Abbas’ money and go for Umrah

    Don’t take Imran Abbas’ money and go for Umrah

    Imran Abbas, the beloved Pakistani actor known for his stellar acting, has left fans wondering with a cryptic post on his private Facebook account. Addressing a common issue in the entertainment industry—non-payment by production houses—Imran expressed his frustration indirectly. “Will the Umrah of those be accepted who haven’t cleared payments of others and are posting pictures from Saudi Arabia,” he wrote.

    Read the post:

    In the comments section, he stated his intent to take prompt legal action and reveal the names of the production house and individuals involved. While some fans speculated on the identity of the person hinted at, Imran didn’t name anyone. However, many believed it was directed at a well-known producer currently on an Umrah trip, as indicated by their recent social media posts from Saudi Arabia.

    Read the comments:

    Abdullah Kadwani is currently on an Umrah trip with his family. He posted pictures alongside Haroon Kadwani and his youngest son, along with sharing a heartfelt story from Madina.

    Meanwhile, Imran Abbas’s mysterious post on Facebook has left the public speculating. It’s worth noting that Imran Abbas recently starred in the hit drama serial ‘Ehraam E Junoon’ on Geo TV, which gained millions of views.

  • People ask Sarah Chaudhry whether Fahad Mustafa fasts

    People ask Sarah Chaudhry whether Fahad Mustafa fasts

    Sara Chaudhry, a former actress who left showbiz for Islam, shared that people often ask her if TV host Fahad Mustafa fasts after seeing his Iftar pictures and videos on social media.

    In a recent podcast appearance, Chaudhry discussed her career, leaving showbiz, and people’s perceptions.
    She mentioned, “Before leaving showbiz, I planned to become a singer and started practicing performing on stage in front of thousands.”

    Chaudhry expressed her initial attraction to singing due to the large fanbase and thousands attending concerts but acknowledged that things didn’t go as planned.

    “Although I had already decided to quit showbiz, I used marriage as a reason to leave the industry,” Chaudhry revealed.

    Despite most colleagues being unfazed, a later interview where she termed showbiz as ‘Haram’ surprised many.

    In the podcast, she praised fashion designer Maria B and revealed fans’ requests to bring her closer to religion.

    Regarding Fahad Mustafa’s Iftar posts, Chaudhry confirmed that when people asked if he fasted, “I told them everyone was fasting.”
    Chaudhry emphasized the need for correct Quranic knowledge.

  • Sajal Ali is a fan of Bilal Abbas’ performance in ‘Ishq Murshid’

    Sajal Ali is a fan of Bilal Abbas’ performance in ‘Ishq Murshid’

    Bilal Abbas is one of the most talented actors in the industry and now that fact has been endorsed by none other than Sajal Aly herself.

    Much of his growing popularity is thanks to his outstanding performance in the drama series ‘Ishq Murshid’.
    Both fans and celebrities are joining together to applaud the drama’s special storytelling and the diverse cast, which has contributed its own distinct flavor to the show.

    The drama ‘Ishq Murshid’, a love story, is currently topping the list of favorite dramas among Pakistani viewers.

    Bilal Abbas takes on a dual role, portraying both Shahmeer and Fazal Baksh while Dur-e-Fishan plays the character of Shibra. The audience is loving their on-screen chemistry.

    Bilal posted a picture of the 26th episode of the drama on Instagram and asked fans how they liked today’s episode.
    In the comments, viewers of Ishq Murshid showed love, but Sajal Ali’s reaction stood out the most.

    “Congratulations Bilal! You’ve been recognized for your talent and effort. Congratulations to the whole drama team,” she wrote.
    Bilal Abbas responded to the actor’s comment, saying, “Thank you very much, Sajal.”

  • Man who raped boy in aitekaf arrested

    Man who raped boy in aitekaf arrested

    The National Commission on the Rights of Children (NCRC) has issued an update that the man who had reportedly raped a 13-year-old boy during aitekaf in Muzaffargarh has been arrested.

    NCRC shared the report on social media.

    “Taking cognisance of the case, NCRC followed up with the district police office Muzaffargarh and it has been informed that the culprit has been arrested.” the post stated.

    The commission added that it would “ensure that justice prevails and the perpetrator is held accountable”.

    Background

    A man reportedly raped a 13-year-old boy during aitekaf in a mosque located at Sanawan Bukhi Chowk, Muzaffargarh.

    According to media reports, the boy, who was observing aitekaf, was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man who was sitting in aitekaf.

    The suspect is said to have escaped after he threatened the Imam of the masjid of “dire consequences”.

    The young boy was rotely learning the Holy Quran at the mosque.

    Following the incident, the boy was taken to hospital for medical examination.

    Station House Officer Shahid Rizwan Mahota claims that the suspect will be arrested.

  • Osman Khalid Butt wants three or four kids after marriage

    Osman Khalid Butt wants three or four kids after marriage

    Popular actor Osma Khalid Butt has revealed that he’s been in a relationship and would have had three to four children by now if he were married.

    In a recent interview with VOA Urdu, the actor shared, “I faced mental problems after working on my popular drama ‘Kaala Doria,’ which kept me away from the screen for some time.”

    Butt didn’t specify why he struggled mentally but specified, “The drama seemed easy, but both myself and others faced difficulties.”
    Discussing his approach to films, Butt stated, “After my film Balu Mahi, I decided to only act in films when I get unique roles, so I don’t do many films.”

    He also highlighted the risks in the film industry, saying, “Films are risky; they often prefer actors who are more visible on screen and show favoritism.”

    Responding to questions about performing an item song with Mahira Khan in Superstar, Butt revealed, “I danced with Mahira because I’ve always wanted to be a dancer since childhood. I had performed with her on stage before.”

    Besides acting, Butt revealed, “I not only write scripts but also direct stage plays and work as a make-up artist. I plan to direct films and plays in the future.”

    Regarding marriage, Butt expressed, “I’m searching for a good spouse. Once I find the right life partner, I’ll marry. My family doesn’t pressure me to marry; I’ll marry when I find the right partner.”

    Butt reiterated his desire for a family, stating, “I’ve had such experiences in the past, and if I were married, I’d have three to four children by now.”

  • Mariyam Nafees would rather get a divorce than allow husband to marry twice

    Mariyam Nafees would rather get a divorce than allow husband to marry twice

    Mariyam Nafees didn’t hold back the punches when she talked about men who have multiple wives.

    The actress fearlessly expressed her opinions on various matters during an interview, be it politics, social issues, or her industry.

    Appearing as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s show ‘Mind Na Karna’, Mariyam was asked about having more than one spouse, as cricketer Shoaib Malik’s marriage came up in the discussion.

    She said, “I respect that Islam allows men to have up to four marriages, but our religion also says men can’t treat their wives equally. I think very few women can accept their husbands marrying again.”
    She said that if her husband wants to marry again, she won’t object, but will instead ask for a divorce. “If someone isn’t happy in their marriage, they should end it and marry again, whether it’s the second or third time. But I want to emphasize that it’s tough for men to treat multiple wives equally, as our religion states.”