Author: newsdesk

  • Sania Mirza opens up about her struggles

    Sania Mirza opens up about her struggles

    On International Women’s Day, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza opened up about her struggles in an interview with Rupha Ramani on Firstpost. She talked about her journey, from the highs and lows of her career to life after retiring.

    Mirza reflected on retiring from tennis, saying, “I think I’ll lose my mind if I’m not busy, to be very honest. That’s how my life has been and, actually, one of the thoughts I had when I was retiring was like ‘oh my god’ and so many people would ask me, what are you gonna do now, and I had no plan and I was like ‘I actually don’t know.’”

    Despite thinking she might slow down after retiring, Mirza found herself keeping busy with different things like the Women’s Premier League and covering the French Open. She’s grateful for living her dream, saying, “There’s a very few handful of people in this world who get to live their dream. And I feel very fortunate that I was able to do that.”

    Mirza stressed the importance of loving what you do, not just for the money. “Nobody wakes up in the morning and says, I’m going to start this career. I want to do it so I can make a lot of money. That cannot be the sole goal for anybody.”

    She also talked about the challenges of fame and scrutiny, saying, “It’s been very hard. Playing and succeeding or failing or whatever it is at what you do on a personal level is hard enough. When you put a public platform in it, you put media scrutiny in it…there’s so many things that go along with it.”

    Mirza discussed growing up in the public eye, saying, “I became Sania Mirza when I was 16… I’ve lived more years as a known person to the world.” She emphasized the importance of being real and embracing imperfections in a world where social media plays a big role.

  • Nawaz Sharif criticises increase in gas, power rates under IMF pressure

    Nawaz Sharif criticises increase in gas, power rates under IMF pressure

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif criticised the increase in rates of electricity and gas prices after directives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to do so.

    The former prime minister raised concerns regarding the increase in rates of gas and power during a meeting with the Punjab government. The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, was also present in the meeting.

    The leader of the PML-N commented on high inflation, questioning how much more the nation could endure. He urged authorities to solve the issue of costly electricity for small farmers by giving them solar panels.

    Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, MPA Sania Ashiq, provincial chief secretary, Planning and Development Board chairman, Transport secretary, and other officials concerned were also present at the meeting.

    The PML-N supremo also said that small farmers should be rewarded for their hard work and should be saved from the exploitation of big farmers.

  • Khyber Medical University prohibits ‘intimate relationship’ between faculty, students to counter sexual harassment on campus

    Khyber Medical University prohibits ‘intimate relationship’ between faculty, students to counter sexual harassment on campus

    Khyber Medical University (KMU) has officially prohibited ‘intimate relationship’ between members of staff and students in accordance with the Higher Education Commission to put an end to harassment on campuses.

    Dr Brekhna Jamil, the chairperson of KMU’s harassment inquiry committee, issued the notification, stating that severe penalties will be implemented if the policy is violated along with a possible oral or written “reprimand, dismissal, suspension, expulsion, disciplinary probation, imposition of fine, withholding of degree, cancellation of professional licence, inclusion of decision in personal file and other related sanctions as deemed appropriate,” reports Dawn.

    “These relationships pose conflicts of interest, compromise professional judgment, and risk the credibility of the institution. The individuals involved in such relationships should declare it,” the notification read — titled ‘Prohibition of intimate or romantic relationships between faculty members, staff and students as per HEC’s policy on protection against sexual harassment in higher education institutions 2020,’ .

  • WE FOUND KATE!

    WE FOUND KATE!

    After months of conspiracy theories pouring in on the alleged mysterious ‘disappearance’ of Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, she has finally been spotted with her husband Prince William.

    TMZ has obtained footage showing the next Queen of England visiting the Windsor Farm Shop with the Prince of Wales near their residence, as reported by The Sun.

    According to reports, eyewitnesses described Kate as appearing “happy, relaxed, and healthy” during her casual stroll through the supermarket.

    The Sun also reported that the couple “spent the first part of their Saturday watching the children play sports”.

    In a video, she can be seen wearing tights and an athletic top, walking towards the exit with William, carrying a shopping bag and laughing at a private joke amongst them.

  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Islamabad United on winning PSL

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Islamabad United on winning PSL

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Islamabad United for winning the ninth season of Pakistan Super League (PSL) yesterday.

    “The game of cricket unites the entire nation, the PCB, security forces, organizers, cricket fans are a tribute to the successful conduct of PSL,” the Premier said.

    “The entire league witnessed great competition and great sportsmanship, I am especially grateful to the international players who participated in the PSL.”

    Shehbaz Sharif thanked PSL, emphasizing that the league has helped in recovering international cricket. “The government is determined to take all possible steps to promote cricket and other sports in the country.”

    Islamabad United defeated Multan Sultans in an exciting match and won the title.

    United achieved Multan’s target of 160 runs on the last ball at the loss of 8 wickets and became PSL champions for the third time.

  • Information Minister admits X still restricted in Pakistan

    Information Minister admits X still restricted in Pakistan

    Following earlier assertions that social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, was accessible to online users, Information Minister Atta Tarar has now conceded that the popular social networking app remains suspended in the country.

    During an interview with a local news channel on Monday, Tarar acknowledged, “Twitter was already banned when we assumed power, and there is no official notification regarding its status.” Emphasising the necessity for a charter delineating “do’s and don’ts,” the information minister advocated for discussions among political parties to establish “red lines” that should not be crossed on the platform.

    Expressing his dismay over allegations against women, abuses, misconduct, and smear campaigns targeting the sacrifices of martyrs on social media, Tarar highlighted the need for accountability.

    It is noteworthy that Tarar dismissed inquiries about X’s suspension in Pakistan on March 13, stating, “Twitter [X] is operational. Tweets continue to be posted on Twitter as well. If there is an official notification mandating its closure, then it should be presented for discussion.”

    The continued unavailability of X, a vital source of information, to millions of users in Pakistan for over a month now, since its suspension preceding the February 8 general election, raises concerns. Despite various court orders urging the restoration of uninterrupted access, users have faced sporadic disruptions and obstacles.

    Furthermore, on March 13, human rights activists and civil society organisations issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the escalating instances of internet shutdowns and social media platform blocks, advocating for the immediate reinstatement of X.

  • PSL final: Islamabad United defeats Multan Sultans by two wickets after a thriller match

    PSL final: Islamabad United defeats Multan Sultans by two wickets after a thriller match

    In the final match of Pakistan Super League 9, Islamabad United defeats Multan Sultans by two wickets after a thriller match in national stadium Karachi.

    Multan Sultans won the toss and elected to bat against Islamabad United.

    Multan Sultans inning

    Playing first Multan scored 159 for the loss of 9 wicket in alloted 20 overs. From Multan Sultans, Muhammad Rizwan scored 26 runs, Usman Khan scored 57 and Iftikhar Ahmed scored 32 runs.

    Apart from this Khushdil Shah scored 11 runs, while seven of their batter could not even enter in double digit.

    From Islamabad United, Imad Wasim took five wicket while Shadab Khan took 3 wickets.

    Islamabad United inning

    Chasing the target of 160, Islamabad United was in trouble from the start of their inning as the lost their first three wicket for 55 runs. But Azam Khan and Martin Guptil scored a partnership of 47 runs.

    From Islamabad, Martin Guptil scored 50 runs, Azam Khan 30, Imad Wasim 19, Naseem Shah 17 and Colin Munro scored 17 runs.

    Islamabad United chase the target on the last ball of 20th over.

    From Multan Sultans, Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed took two wickets each.

  • SBP maintains policy rate at 22% for sixth consecutive time

    SBP maintains policy rate at 22% for sixth consecutive time

    The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has opted to maintain the key policy rate at 22 per cent, marking its sixth consecutive decision to uphold the status quo.

    In its statement released on Monday, the MPC affirmed its decision, stating, “At its meeting today, the MPC decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 22 per cent.”

    While acknowledging a visible decline in inflation as anticipated in the latter half of Fiscal Year 2024 (H2-FY24), the MPC underscored the persistently high level of inflation and the associated risks, despite a notable deceleration in February. This cautious stance is deemed necessary to steer inflation towards the target range of 5–7 per cent by September 2025.

    Against a backdrop of uncertain inflation projections, major central banks worldwide, including those in advanced and emerging economies, have remained conservative in their monetary policy approaches, as highlighted in the MPC statement.

    Emphasising the importance of sustained targeted fiscal consolidation and timely realisation of planned external inflows, the MPC reiterated that its assessment hinges on these factors.

    Furthermore, the latest economic indicators indicate a moderate upturn in economic activity, primarily driven by a rebound in agricultural output. The external current account balance has outperformed expectations, bolstering foreign exchange reserves despite subdued financial inflows. However, inflation expectations among businesses have steadily risen since December, with consumer expectations inching up in March. Additionally, while global commodity prices have generally remained stable, escalating oil prices, attributed partly to ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, present a notable exception.

    Given the uncertainties surrounding the inflation outlook, compounded by potential upward pressure from administered price adjustments or fiscal measures, the MPC deems it prudent to maintain the current monetary policy stance for the time being.

  • IMF urges Pakistan to expand capital gains tax scope to include cryptocurrencies

    IMF urges Pakistan to expand capital gains tax scope to include cryptocurrencies

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to broaden the scope of capital gains tax (CGT) by incorporating cryptocurrencies into the tax regime.

    This recommendation arises amidst ongoing discussions between the Fund and Pakistani authorities regarding the $3 billion stand-by arrangement (SBA).

    The four-day review, which commenced on Thursday, aims to unlock the final tranche of approximately $1.1 billion secured by Islamabad under a last-minute rescue package last summer, thus averting a sovereign debt default.

    During these deliberations, the IMF proposed a reassessment of tax slabs for real estate and listed securities to ensure comprehensive taxation of all gains, irrespective of asset holding periods.

    Moreover, the IMF urged the FBR to mandate property developers to monitor and report all pre-completion property transfers, with penalties for non-compliance. This move aims to bring under the tax umbrella the prevalent practice of trading property plot files within housing schemes.

    These recommendations are anticipated to be incorporated into the forthcoming bailout package under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), potentially becoming integral to the FY2024–25 budget through the finance bill.

    The IMF’s technical assistance report highlights the challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in assessing and collecting taxes on capital gains from real estate transactions, particularly those occurring before formal property registration.

    To address this issue, the IMF suggests obligating property developers to track and report all pre-completion property transfers, with penalties for non-compliance, thereby shifting tax liabilities to developers if they are not recoverable from the initial transferor.

    Furthermore, the IMF advocates for the expansion of assets subject to capital gains tax to include emerging investment avenues such as cryptocurrencies alongside real estate and listed securities. 

    It also proposes revising tax slabs to ensure equitable taxation of capital gains, irrespective of asset holding durations.

    Overall, these IMF recommendations seek to fortify the taxation framework, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable approach to capital gains taxation in Pakistan.

  • A Hindu woman’s journey of fasting in Ramazan

    A Hindu woman’s journey of fasting in Ramazan

    Fasting has been a practice in many cultures and religions for a long time. Now when people think of fasting, they often think of Islam and Muslims more than anything else.

    Neelam Gokulsing, who isn’t Muslim and is from Mauritius, lives in Dubai, UAE. She started fasting during Ramadan in 2021 when she was in Malaysia, to support her Muslim friends.

    “I have many Muslim friends in Malaysia, and we ate before dawn and after sunset together. It was about standing together and understanding their culture even though I’m Hindu,” said Neelam, who is 26-years-old and works at a fintech company. She moved to Dubai two years ago.

    Even after moving to the Muslim-majority Gulf nation, Neelam kept fasting during Ramadan to be like the people around her. At first, it was about supporting others, but it turned into a journey of learning more about herself.

    “Fasting isn’t just about not eating. It’s about connecting spiritually and learning new things about yourself. It’s like working together with yourself to discover your values,” she explained.

    Following a fasting routine while managing daily life has taught Neelam a lot about herself.

    Now, Neelam wants to learn Arabic to become even more a part of UAE’s culture and society. She’s excited about what the future holds.