Author: newsdesk

  • Did Gen (r) Faiz Hameed plans TLP’s Faizabad sit-in?

    Did Gen (r) Faiz Hameed plans TLP’s Faizabad sit-in?

    The commission set up to probe the Faizabad sit-in case has completed its report and is ready to submit it to the government and other authorities at any time.

    One of the members connected to the commission told The News that the investigation in the case is already complete and the commission can submit its report to relevant authorities soon.

    “It will be submitted to the government and other authorities at any time,” the source said.

    The commission interviewed many individuals, including some high profile persons like the then DG (C) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, the then prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the then interior and defence ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Khawaja Aasif respectively and concerned senior police and civil administration officials of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

    The commission will focus on figuring out what the former ISI chief’s role was. Its report will reveal if Hameed was responsible for the Faizabad sit-in.

    The government formed the commission on the instructions of the Supreme Court (SC) to investigate who was involved in the Faizabad sit-in. The commission investigated who had planned, financed, and supported a sit-in at Islamabad’s Faizabad area six years ago.

  • PTI demands full court, rejects ‘like-minded’ judges bench

    PTI demands full court, rejects ‘like-minded’ judges bench

    In an echo to past objections, former ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the constitution of a seven-member bench led by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to investigate the six judges’ letter documenting alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial matters.

    At a press conference, former Chief Minister of Gligit-Baltistan Khalid Khurshid along with the party’s central information secretary Raoof Hasan declared that PTI would not accept the legitimacy of the seven-member bench terming it “like-minded judges” that was made at the behest of the CJP to get a decision of their choice.

    He demanded that a full court be constituted to investigate the serious allegations levelled by the six IHC judges and the proceedings should be telecast live. Raoof also added that judges should be allowed to tell their stories in a judicial conference as well.

    He lauded ex-CJP Tasadduq Hussain Jillani’s decision to recuse himself from the inquiry commission and congratulated the legal fraternity for their principled stance. He also commented that the IHC judges demonstrated great courage by writing the letter.

  • If I was lobbying, I would be the chairman of the cricket board: Shahid Afridi

    If I was lobbying, I would be the chairman of the cricket board: Shahid Afridi

    Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi has said that if he was lobbying, he would have been the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), ARY has reported.

    “Would it be good from my mouth to make Shaheen the captain? Mohammad Rizwan should be the captain in white ball cricket, I have been talking about Mohammad Rizwan for four or five months.”

    He went on to say, “The experience of the training camp in Kakul has been good for him, training there makes a difference in fitness. Those who are not selected for the series against New Zealand should get more training in Kakul.”

    Terming the decision to empower the selection committee a good one, Afraid nonetheless said that there should have been a head in the committee.

    Talking about Muhammad Amir and Imad, he said, “The decision of Muhammad Amir and Imad Wasim to retire first was wrong, both of them have cricket left in them. Both are talented, they will have to be a part of domestic cricket as well.”

    Earlier, the former captain said that the one who becomes captain should be given time.

  • Pakistan volleyball’s Brazilian coach parts ways with national team

    Pakistan volleyball’s Brazilian coach parts ways with national team

    The Brazilian coach of Pakistan volleyball team Issanayê Ramires has decided to leave his post.

    Under the supervision of Issanayê Ramires, Pakistan defeated South Korea in the Asian Games. After losing in the Asian Games, Korea has hired a Brazilian coach.

    According to the report, Pakistan was paying the Brazilian coach $4,000 per month, while the Korean government has offered him $8,000 salary along with attractive benefits for the family.

  • MS Dhoni achieves important milestone in T20 cricket

    MS Dhoni achieves important milestone in T20 cricket

    Former Indian captain and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has crossed an important milestone in T20 cricket, becoming the first wicketkeeper in the world to take 300 wickets.

    He achieved the feat on Sunday by taking a catch from Delhi Capitals’ Prithvi Shaw.

    Dhoni completed 300 catches in 367 T20 innings. Second on the list is former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal who took 274 catches in 281 innings.

  • Diverse Brazilian cattle breeds arriving in Pakistan under new agreement

    Diverse Brazilian cattle breeds arriving in Pakistan under new agreement

    The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has inked a deal with a Brazilian company for the import of high-breed cattle from Brazil as part of the Green Pakistan Initiative.

    Under the agreement, Fongrow, a company established under the Green Pakistan Initiative, will import nine breeds of cattle from Brazil, encompassing both local and Brazilian breeds.

    The consignment of cattle from Brazil is slated to arrive at Sialkot International Airport today via air cargo and will subsequently be transported to Peruwal Model Farm in Punjab.

    During an interview, Brazilian Ambassador Olyntho Vieira stressed the significant potential for bilateral trade between Brazil and Pakistan across various sectors.

    He highlighted that investment and technology could enhance livestock productivity, mentioning that red Sindhi cattle were initially transported from Pakistan to Brazil in the 1950s and have been preserved since then.

    The imported cattle comprise breeds such as Nylori, Redus Sindhi, Guzeera, Brahman, Angus, and others.

  • Gold prices continue to surge, per tola rate hits Rs237,600

    Gold prices continue to surge, per tola rate hits Rs237,600

    Gold prices in Pakistan saw a sustained uptrend on the first trading day of the month, following a surge in the global market.

    The precious metal achieved a fresh record high internationally, reflecting its continued allure among investors.

    In Pakistan, the price per tola of gold reached Rs237,600, marking an increase of Rs2,800 throughout the day.

    According to data provided by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price for 10 grammes of gold stood at Rs203,704, showing a rise of Rs2,401 compared to previous figures.

    Notably, gold prices had remained relatively stable at Rs234,800 per tola just two days prior, underscoring the recent market volatility.

    In contrast, silver rates remained steady at Rs2,600 per tola during the same period.

    Over the past seven sessions, gold has witnessed a notable increase of Rs9,400 per tola in the local market, reflecting strong investor sentiment and demand.

    Meanwhile, in the international arena, gold commanded a premium of $20, reaching an unprecedented high of $2,278 per ounce on Friday.

    This marked a $24 increase from previous levels, as highlighted by APGJSA. The surge in global prices further underscores the precious metal’s status as a safe-haven asset amidst economic uncertainties.

  • Inflation in Pakistan dips to 20.7% in March

    Inflation in Pakistan dips to 20.7% in March

    Pakistan witnessed a significant downturn in headline inflation as it dipped to 20.7 per cent year-on-year in March, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday.

    This marks a notable decline from February’s figure of 23.1 per cent. Additionally, on a month-on-month basis, inflation rose by 1.7 per cent.

    Notably, this is the lowest inflation reading since May 2022, when it stood at 13.8 per cent, as reported by JS Global.

    It also signifies a remarkable milestone, being the first time in over three years that the Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation figure has fallen below the crucial policy rate, which presently sits at 22 per cent.

    The July-March average inflation now stands at 27.22 per cent, slightly higher than the same period last year at 27.19 per cent.

    The inflation figure, coming in lower than the government’s projections, adds weight to the anticipation of a reduction in the key interest rate.

    In its ‘Monthly Economic Update and Outlook’ report released on Friday, the Ministry of Finance forecasted CPI-based inflation to range between 22.5-23.5 per cent for March 2024.

    Despite the recent upward revision of petrol prices and the onset of Ramadan, inflation in March has been perceived at a moderate level, according to the ministry.

    The government’s announcement of a relief package for Ramadan, with an increased allocation from Rs7.5 billion to Rs12.5 billion, is expected to mitigate the impact of heightened demand during the religious festival.

    Moreover, the moderation of inflationary pressures is attributed partially to the phenomenon of the high base effect, as highlighted in the outlook report.

    Global factors have also played a role in shaping inflation dynamics, as noted by brokerage house Arif Habib Limited (AHL). AHL’s report predicts a further decline in inflation, estimating a year-on-year headline inflation rate of 20.2 per cent for March 2024.

    Similarly, IGI Securities projects the national CPI to grow at a year-on-year rate of 20.3 per cent, with a monthly growth of +1.4 per cent compared to February 2024.

    Despite the government’s recent increase in gasoline prices, experts anticipate inflation to remain below 20 per cent in the upcoming months, primarily due to the high base effect.

    This development fuels speculation regarding potential monetary policy adjustments in the near future.

  • New initiatives to protect sensitive information, prevent cyber attacks

    New initiatives to protect sensitive information, prevent cyber attacks

    The federal government has formed the National Computer Emergency Response Team to protect sensitive information and prevent cyber attacks.

    NCERT will protect digital assets, sensitive information and critical infrastructure.

    According to a notification of the Ministry of IT, NCERT has been formed as per PECA and CERT rules. The Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan project was declared a National CERT, which had been running for several years.

    The NCERT will play a role in detecting and preventing cyber attacks. For this, along with the appointment of experts, the purchase of necessary software and hardware has already been done.

    NCERT will work on creating awareness, research and development related to cyber attacks while a separate website for National Cert has also been launched.

    The Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan project has been running for several years, and it was run by the National Telecommunication and Information Security Board.

  • Faizan Sheikh and family throw big iftar party

    Faizan Sheikh and family throw big iftar party

    Maham Aamir and Faizan Sheikh, beloved figures in Pakistan’s entertainment scene, opted for a change of pace this Ramadan. Renowned for their charm and warmth, the couple embraced the spirit of togetherness with a grand Iftar soirée for family and friends.
    Dressed to the nines in elegant white attire, the Sheikh household welcomed guests to an evening filled with culinary delights. Maham Aamir and Rabya Kulsoom shone with grace, adding a touch of glamour to the occasion.
    As the sun set, laughter and love filled the air, epitomizing the essence of Ramadan.

    We have some lovely pictures from their Iftar to share with you.
    Check out below: