Author: newsdesk

  • Heavy snow leads to food shortage in Chitral

    Heavy snow leads to food shortage in Chitral

    Climate change is hitting home with heavy snow halting normal life, creating food insecurity in districts of upper and lower Chitral. The situation is dire, as MNA Abdul Akbar Chitrali has asserted that “It may result in a human tragedy”.

    The closure of roads to more than a dozen valleys in Chitral for the last three weeks has been creating countless issues for people.

    The most affected areas are the sub-valleys of Madaklasht, Susoom, Karimabad, and Gobor in Lower Chitral and Broghil, Yarkhoon, Upper Terich, Khot, Rech, Melp and Rech in Upper Chitral, says the report by Dawn. One has to wade through the snow for more than eight hours to reach there.

    The residents of the affected areas have said that food items and lifesaving drugs are running out while patients are taken on shoulder by villagers towards the road.

    Some minor work has been done by the government in the city but the roads leading to the sub-valleys are still unclear, leaving it up to the local people to do it on self-help basis.

    The former village nazim of Broghil, Amin Jan Tajik, said that there was a famine-like situation for people and their cattle after the valley received more than four feet snow while one had to walk for two days to reach Brep village to get a vehicle.

    He recalled that the last time the valley received such a heavy snowfall was in 1974, prompting the then government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to airdrop ration for people as well as forage for their cattle, which formed their only source of sustenance.

    Mr Tajik said that to reopen the road by clearing snow and removing boulders and debris was beyond the capacity of locals as heavy machinery was required for the purpose.

    Former MNA Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali while talking to Dawn said that closure of roads gave birth to all kinds of issues and it was a pity that both federal and provincial governments neglected the ordeals of people.

    Talking to journalists here on Wednesday, he said that restoration of power supply to the affected villages would not be possible without reopening of roads. “More than three-fourth villages of Chitral have been without electricity after the heavy snowfall,” he added.

    He said that during the month of Ramazan, shortage of food was deplorable.

  • Nationwide crackdown launched against electricity and gas theft

    Nationwide crackdown launched against electricity and gas theft

    Pakistan authorities have issued a directive to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch a comprehensive operation targeting electricity and gas theft nationwide.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the commencement of this initiative via social media platform X on Thursday, stating, “Starting today, the FIA launches a massive crackdown against electricity and gas theft across the nation.”

    Minister Naqvi said that no individual or entity will be exempt from scrutiny. Those found responsible will face legal repercussions.

    Describing the initiative as a proactive measure, the minister highlighted its objective of combating the prevalent theft of essential utilities, thereby ensuring equitable distribution and access for all citizens.

    Electricity theft remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, manifesting through illegal connections, meter tampering, and non-payment of bills.

    Current estimates depict substantial annual losses in revenue, amounting to billions of rupees, due to this illicit activity.

    These losses not only strain the financial resources of energy providers but also contribute to frequent power outages.

    Similarly, gas theft poses a formidable concern, with illegal connections and meter tampering being common methods employed to siphon natural gas unlawfully.

    This illicit practice not only results in revenue losses for gas distribution companies but also poses safety hazards. Unauthorised diversion of gas leads to supply shortages, impacting both domestic and industrial consumers.

    Recognising the urgency of the situation, the interim government initiated a significant crackdown last year to address the escalating issue of power theft and to enforce stringent measures against those involved in such activities.

  • PM Shehbaz foresees three-year IMF programme continuation

    PM Shehbaz foresees three-year IMF programme continuation

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has indicated that the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme is expected to extend for three years.

    Addressing the session of the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) apex committee, attended by both civil and military leadership on Thursday, the PM mentioned that a new installment of the loan from the IMF is anticipated in a few days. However, he underscored the necessity for another programme.

    He highlighted the unity displayed by the civil-military leadership and elected lawmakers from various political parties in today’s session, emphasising their collective commitment to the country’s development and prosperity.

    Regarding the economic challenges, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the SIFC in facilitating foreign investments and acknowledged its significant role over the past eight months. He credited Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir for his pivotal role in establishing the SIFC.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised the imperative of implementing reforms under the IMF programme to attain macroeconomic stability. He noted the shortfall in revenues, highlighting the need to increase them to Rs13 to 14 trillion from the current Rs9 trillion.

    Furthermore, he outlined the government’s plans to digitise the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to address issues such as electricity theft, which annually costs the national exchequer Rs400 billion. During the caretaker government’s tenure, measures were taken to save Rs87 billion in electricity expenses.

    PM Shehbaz also highlighted the pressing issue of circular debt in electricity and gas, which has surged to Rs5 trillion.

    He underscored the importance of unity among the federal and provincial governments to address these challenges collectively.

    Shehbaz Sharif urged the expedited privatisation of loss-making state-owned entities, citing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), burdened with a debt of Rs825 billion, as an example.

    Acknowledging the need for tough decisions, the Prime Minister admitted that subsidies had been disproportionately allocated to the elite segments of society, emphasising the importance of redistributing the financial burden to those capable of bearing it.

  • Pakistan’s forex reserves surge to $8.02 billion, SBP data shows

    Pakistan’s forex reserves surge to $8.02 billion, SBP data shows

    The latest data released on Thursday revealed a noteworthy surge in the foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), marking an increase of $105 million over the course of a week, reaching a total of $8.02 billion as of March 15.

    In addition to the SBP’s reserves, the total liquid foreign reserves for the country now stand at $13.4 billion, with commercial banks accounting for $5.38 billion of this amount.

    Despite the significant boost, the central bank did not provide specific details regarding the reason behind this increase.

    However, it did report that during the week ending on March 15, SBP’s reserves climbed by $105 million to reach $8,017.9 million, indicating a positive trend.

    The previous week had also witnessed an increase in Pakistan’s central bank reserves, albeit a smaller one, amounting to $17 million.

    In a pivotal development, Pakistani authorities successfully concluded negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the second and final review of the $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA).

    As per the agreement reached, pending approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, an additional access of $1.1 billion under the SBA will become available.

    This anticipated inflow from the IMF is expected to further bolster the country’s reserves and serve as a promising sign for its struggling economy.

  • Gold price increases by Rs4,600 to Rs232,400 per tola

    Gold price increases by Rs4,600 to Rs232,400 per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan experienced a massive surge on Thursday, following cues from the Federal Reserve indicating its intention to proceed with three interest-rate cuts within the year.

    The price of 24-karat gold rose by Rs4,600 per tola, reaching Rs232,400. The Karachi Sarafa Association noted a similar trend, reporting a price increase of Rs3,943 for 24-karat gold per 10-gramme, now priced at Rs199,245.

    Correspondingly, 22-karat gold witnessed a rise, reaching Rs182,642 per 10-gramme.

    Furthermore, silver prices also saw an uptick in Pakistan. 24-karat silver was traded at Rs2,600 per tola and Rs2,229.08 per 10-gramme, marking an increase of Rs20 per tola and Rs17.15 per 10-gramme.

    Internationally, spot gold prices surged above $2,200 an ounce for the first time, following the US Federal Reserve’s decision and a dovish stance from Jerome Powell.

    The Federal Reserve opted to maintain interest rates at 5.25 per cent-5.5 per cent but upheld their forecast for three quarter-point rate reductions throughout the year.

    This announcement propelled the price of gold, reaching as high as 1.6 per cent to $2,220.89 an ounce during early trading, although it slightly retreated while still maintaining levels above $2,220.

  • Who are these people who get ready, go to restaurants to take pictures: Momina Iqbal reveals social media traps

    Who are these people who get ready, go to restaurants to take pictures: Momina Iqbal reveals social media traps

    Momina Iqbal has advised people not to trust what they see on social media about famous people’s lives, stressing that it’s often fake.

    The actress appeared as a guest on a TV show during Ramazan.
    During the interview, she said that what famous people show on social media about their daily lives isn’t always true.
    She asked fans and social media users not to believe everything they see online.

    “I was talking to my friend the other day and I said, ‘Who are these people who wake up in the morning, get ready, and go to restaurants to take pictures?’ I’m discussing something overall here that’s going on in our social media. They get ready, take pictures, and post them. We don’t even wake up in the morning; we just keep sleeping. I mean, if it’s my day off, I just stay in bed and read. If I feel like getting up, then I want to tell everyone that social media isn’t what you all are seeing. I also receive a lot of messages. Sometimes, I post pictures from last week, and no one knows what’s going on.”

    Momina emphasized that social media isn’t what people think it is. “It’s not the reality of the present moment. Anything people see us doing at home or seeing other people doing is sometimes taken in a negative way. Like, how much fun are they really having in their lives? But what we see filled with joy isn’t necessarily true. We also just sit at home and read.”

  • Tabish Hashmi’s wife reveals sweet secret about their arranged marriage

    Tabish Hashmi’s wife reveals sweet secret about their arranged marriage

    Prominent host and comedian Tabish Hashmi and his wife Hira Khalid shared details about their first meeting for an arranged marriage.

    The couple appeared for their first-ever joint interview with host Nida Yasir on ARY Digital’s Ramadan special transmission ‘Shan e Suhoor.’
    Hira disclosed, “Tabish’s father and my grandfather used to be childhood friends.”

    “But there was surely love at first sight,” the host said at which point Hira interrupted her, humourously saying, “From Tabish’s side.”

    They reminisced about their initial meeting during the final days of Ramadan when Tabish, along with his family, visited Hira’s place, and Tabish fell in love with her at first sight.

    When asked what initially attracted her to her husband, Hira said, “It was an arranged marriage. At that time, I agreed solely because of my parents’ decision, but eventually, gradually, I started liking many of his qualities.”

    Hira also revealed that Tabish preferred face-to-face meetings over long calls during their engagement, prompting her to come up with excuses to meet him.
    Hira and Tabish have been married for over 12 years and have two children together, a daughter and a son.

  • ‘Dr. Baloch’ and ‘Pinky Group’ involved in drug smuggling in Karachi’s educational institutes

    ‘Dr. Baloch’ and ‘Pinky Group’ involved in drug smuggling in Karachi’s educational institutes

    An organized underground network of drug supply including women drug dealers has been operating in educational institutions of Karachi.

    Samaa’s Ahmer Rehman Khan has reported that drug orders are received from social media groups while the narcotics are delivered in packaging of pizza and burgers via delivery services.

    Earlier the drugs were supplied only in remote areas and slums but with time, smugglers spread their network to the educational institutions of Karachi.

    The reports reveal that cocaine and ice addiction have increased among the students of Karachi. Students who have completed their education at the university on condition of anonymity made surprising revelations about the delivery of drugs in the schools.

    These organized drug smuggling networks are run by ‘Dr. Baloch’ and ‘Pinky group’ in educational institutions of Karachi.

    Dr. Baloch Group is being operational from Nushki Balochistan while Pinky Group is run by a woman called ‘Anmol’ also known as Pinky — hailing from Rahim Yar Khan (RYK).

    How much does it cost?

    Cocaine costs Rs15,000 to Rs17,000 per gram while ice is fetching Rs2500 to Rs3500 per gram. A token of Rs5000 for hashish and Rs300 rupees for heroin is being given.

    Karachi Police is aware of the network and claims to have arrested over 25 suppliers of drugs in educational institutions. But still, the network of drug dealers could not be broken.

    Police officers said that they alone could not stop the use of drugs in educational institutions and urged teachers and parents also need to actively monitor their children.

  • Trolls have the weirdest objection to Alizeh Shah’s Korean-inspired look

    Trolls have the weirdest objection to Alizeh Shah’s Korean-inspired look

    South Korea’s cultural influence, its soft power, has captivated audiences worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. With Korean music, dramas, and beauty trends gaining popularity, it’s no surprise that celebrities like Alizeh Shah are embracing the K-wave.

    Alizeh Shah, recognized for her roles in popular dramas like ‘Ehd e Wafa’, has been making waves on social media with her recent Korean-inspired looks. From makeup to fashion, she’s been channeling the beauty standards of K-pop idols, much to the surprise of her fans.

    However, not everyone is cheering for Alizeh’s transformation. Some fans expressed concern, feeling that she’s straying too far from her original charm and attempting to emulate idols like Lisa from Black Pink.

    Trolls crawled out of the woodwork to tell her she was wrong in trying out a different look, stating that she looked fine without the Korean look.

    Really, fans can definitely have an opinion about how their favourite actors look but to troll them for it is uncalled for. The objections, so to speak, ranged from the weird to the ridiculous.

    Trolls should maybe pay more attention to why they feel passing such personal comments is the right thing to do.

    Here are some people reaction:

  • PTI’s Barrister Gohar didn’t accept Hammad Azhar’s resignation

    PTI’s Barrister Gohar didn’t accept Hammad Azhar’s resignation

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has decided not to accept the resignation letter of senior PTI leader Hammad Azhar, as per SAMMA

    Khan said: “I cannot accept Hammad Azhar’s resignation during the ongoing situation.”

    “Currently, we will not accept the resignation from the party posts, nor do we have any intent of doing so.”

    Hammad left his party positions including PTI’s Punjab president and general secretary.

    “I will continue to work for the PTI as a party worker. I have decided to resign after thinking a lot,” Azhar said.

    Hammad Azhar has been declared a proclaimed offender in the May 9 case.