Author: newsdesk

  • SBP gears up for monetary policy meeting amid rate cut speculations

    SBP gears up for monetary policy meeting amid rate cut speculations

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has scheduled a meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for Monday, March 18, 2024, to deliberate on the nation’s monetary policy, as announced by the central bank on Friday.

    The SBP intends to release the Monetary Policy Statement on the same day, providing insights into its decision-making process.

    Anticipation looms as a prominent brokerage house foresees a noteworthy chance of the SBP reducing the key policy rate by 100 basis points (bps).

    Currently, the key policy rate stands at a historic high of 22 per cent.

    Arif Habib Limited (AHL) outlined in its recent report the likelihood of the SBP initiating a 100-bps cut in the upcoming policy, potentially marking the commencement of an interest rate reversal cycle.

    Despite Pakistan witnessing a decrease in headline inflation to 23.1 per cent year-on-year in February, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), down from 28.3 per cent in January, there are calls for cautious action.

  • Which Bollywood actress likes Wahaj Ali?

    Which Bollywood actress likes Wahaj Ali?

    Who doesn’t have a crush on Wahaj Ali? Well, maybe your neighbour’s grandmother who doesn’t watch TV and perhaps your professor who thinks watching TV is a waste of time.
    The rest of the country definitely has a crush on the breakthrough star and that includes admirers from across the border.

    During an Instagram question and answer session, famous Indian actress Reem Shaikh shared her admiration for Pakistani actor Wahaj Ali. She revealed that she fell in love with him as soon as she saw him.
    When asked about her first impression of Wahaj Ali, Reem blushed and said, “I’m not joking, it was love at first sight.”
    Wahaj is known for charming people not only in Pakistan but also in India. His drama series ‘Tere Bin’ was a huge hit, earning him lots of fans. He’s becoming a big star in the entertainment world.

    Reem Sameer Shaikh is also a well-known actress in India. She’s worked on many TV shows and movies like ‘Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha’, ‘Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat’, ‘Tujhse Hai Raabta’.

    If Wahaj Ali ever decides to work in India, Reem Shaikh would probably love to act alongside him.

  • ‘Andaz Apna Apna 2’ is finally happening

    ‘Andaz Apna Apna 2’ is finally happening

    Rejoice, Bollywood fans, rejoice!
    Andaz Apna Apna 2 is finally happening!

    In a special live Instagram session held on March 14, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan shared big news on his birthday. He talked about the sequel to the famous comedy movie, Andaz Apna Apna. During the session, Aamir said, “Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi is working on the script of Andaz Apna Apna 2. I’m glad he started thinking about it because I think it will be a great film for all of us to do and for audiences to watch.” However, he mentioned that the movie is still in the early stages, so fans shouldn’t expect it to release soon.

    The news has excited fans who have been waiting for the sequel to the 1994 cult hit movie. They are hoping to see Aamir and Salman Khan reprise their roles as the bumbling con artists Amar and Prem. Whether Salman will be part of the sequel or not is still uncertain.

    Besides talking about Andaz Apna Apna 2, Aamir also talked about the possibility of working with Salman and Shah Rukh Khan. He said, “Even I think we should do a film together. When we were together, Shah Rukh, Salman and me, we were also contemplating that we must do a film together in our careers.” Aamir’s words have sparked speculation about the three Khan stars teaming up for a movie, raising hopes among fans for a blockbuster collaboration.

    Fans are eagerly waiting for more updates on both the Andaz Apna Apna sequel and the potential collaboration among the three Khans. Aamir’s birthday revelations promise exciting times ahead for Bollywood fans, hinting at the return of cherished classics and big collaborations in the coming days.

  • Hamza Ali Abbasi advocates for a positive set environment.

    Hamza Ali Abbasi advocates for a positive set environment.

    He may have played the cold-blooded villain of ‘The Legend of Maula Jutt’, but Hamza Ali Abbasi is known to be one of the most easy-going people in the entertainment industry.

    The star spoke about the importance of having an enjoyable atmosphere on set, where everyone, including the cast and crew, joke around. After a five-year break, he returned to TV with a remarkable performance as Shahram in ‘Jaan-e-Jahan’ released in December 2023. “I actually had to break down like a child,” recalled Hamza.

    “It was my favourite scene,” he said, reflecting on a poignant moment in the show. “Everyone is very chilled and laidback. No one is hot-headed in our team, cast or crew. Everyone is funny.” Despite the show having a romantic aspect, Hamza emphasized that it’s not just a love story, praising the writers for creating a complex plot. “It’s a very, very good package,’ he said seriously. “I just really hope you like Jan-a-Jahan.” Hamza also has camaraderie with his onscreen brothers and the supportive team of writers, hoping viewers would enjoy the show as much as he enjoyed working on it.

  • Ambani bahu wears Saudi designer dress

    Ambani bahu wears Saudi designer dress

    Last week, everyone was talking about Radhika Merchant, wife-to-be of Anant Ambani. The future bride wore stunning outfits at all her pre-wedding events.
    For one of the endless days of celebration, Radhika wore a beautiful gown made by Mohammed Ashi, a designer from Saudi Arabia. The gown was light pink with crystal embellishments and had a long train.

    She also wore a custom-made Versace gown inspired by New York’s buildings, and a colorful dress by Ashish Gupta paying tribute to disco culture. Her Manish Malhotra lehenga was traditional but with a modern touch.

    But it’s not just her clothes that caught attention. Radhika’s jewelry included diamond accessories and traditional Indian jewels.

    One memorable look was during her ‘hastakshar ceremony’ where she wore a special lehenga by Tarun Tahiliani. The outfit had beautiful paintings and intricate craftsmanship, showing India’s rich heritage.

  • Arooj Aftab to perform alongside Dua Lipa, SZA

    Arooj Aftab to perform alongside Dua Lipa, SZA

    The accolades don’t stop pouring in for Pakistani Grammy winning singer Arooj Aftab.
    The ‘Mohabbat’ crooner will perform at the famous Glastonbury Festival in London this June. Aftab, known for her soulful singing and mixing classical and modern music, shared the news on her Instagram account.
    “UK make plans! We are back at Glastonbury, June 2024.”
    Aftab also posted the exciting line-up on the carousel, promising performances from both classic and new artists including PJ Harvey and Cyndi Lauper.

    Female artists will headline two out of three slots at Britain’s Glastonbury Festival in June for the first time, with Dua Lipa and SZA joining rock-band Coldplay, organizers announced on Thursday.
    Country pop star Shania Twain will perform in the Sunday afternoon “legend” slot. British-Albanian Dua Lipa, known for hits like New Rules and One Kiss, will debut on the Pyramid Stage shortly after releasing her third album, Radical Optimism.

    Coldplay, veterans at Worthy Farm, will headline for a record fifth time. The inclusion of US R&B star SZA is a surprise in the lineup. The 34-year-old’s acclaimed album SOS won a Grammy last month, and her single Kill Bill has been on the British charts for months.
    The festival, which sold out in under an hour when tickets were released in November, faced criticism last year for an all-male top billing.
    Earlier this year, Aftab missed out on double Grammy wins after not winning in the two categories she was nominated for. The Mohabbat singer received nominations for Global Music Performance and Best Jazz Alternate Album.

    Aftab’s album Love in Exile got nominated for Best Jazz Alternate Album, and Shadow Forces got recognized for new vocal or instrumental global music. It’s important to mention that Aftab became the first Pakistani artist to win music’s top honors in 2022.

  • Ali Amin Gandapur’s brother to contest NA-44 by-poll

    Ali Amin Gandapur’s brother to contest NA-44 by-poll

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur has chosen to allow his brother Faisal Amin Gandapur to run for the National Assembly seat from Dera Ismail Khan, which Ali won in the February 8 general elections.

    The KP’s CM, who also leads the provincial chapter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced that his brother will run in the by-elections for the NA-44 constituency. He is vacating the seat after winning the PK-113 Dera Ismail Khan-III seat.

    Speaking about handing over the coveted KP constituency ticket to his brother in a video statement on Friday, the chief minister said he has conveyed the decision to party founder Imran Khan as well after he inquired where Gandapir plans to “adjust” his brother in the provincial cabinet.

    “He did not know that my brother was yet to contest the elections,” he said.

    The KP CM stated that he won the general elections on February 8 on two seats personally, keeping one and giving up the other.

  • ‘Hijab a choice, not a compulsion’; Drama Umm-e-Ayesha earns applause for hijab discussion

    ‘Hijab a choice, not a compulsion’; Drama Umm-e-Ayesha earns applause for hijab discussion

    ‘Umm-e-Ayesha’, a Ramadan drama series on Geo Television, has been receiving praise since its premiere on the first day of Ramadan. The show, airing daily at 6 PM, follows the story of Ayesha, portrayed by Nimra Khan.
    In a particular scene that has gone viral on Facebook, Ayesha chooses to prioritize her hijab over a job opportunity. Fans appreciated the well-executed scene, praising Nimra Khan’s acting alongside Mohsin Ali Gillani.

    Many are commending the drama makers for delivering a meaningful message during Ramadan. Fans admire Ayesha’s courage in standing firm on her principles and not compromising on wearing the hijab.
    Some social media users argue that in Pakistan, an Islamic country, wearing the hijab should not be controversial. However, others note that not all girls may feel comfortable wearing the hijab.
    Overall, the drama has sparked discussions about the importance of respecting individual choices and has garnered praise for its portrayal of hijab values.

  • Asif Zardari declares Shehbaz, Gandapur meeting a ‘good beginning’

    Asif Zardari declares Shehbaz, Gandapur meeting a ‘good beginning’

    Newly-elected President Asif Ali Zardari has said on Thursday that the meeting between the prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Ali Amin Gandapur, is a “good beginning.” 

    Shehbaz Sharif’s government came into power this month after making an alliance with multiple parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

    However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is in power in KP, and it also allegedly accused PML-N of stealing PTI’s mandate in general elections. 

    President Zardari has welcomed the interaction between the prime minister and the chief minister.

    “It is high time we start thinking of working towards healing the divisions Pakistan has been going through,” he added.

    “This outreach is a good beginning,” he stated.

  • Amitabh Bachchan rushed to hospital after sudden illness

    Amitabh Bachchan rushed to hospital after sudden illness

    Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has been taken to the hospital after he suddenly felt unwell.
    Indian media reported that Amitabh Bachchan is now in Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. Some reports state also that the 81-year-old legend of Indian cinema has already had heart surgery at Kokilaben Hospital.
    According to reports Amitabh Bachchan was seen with his son Abhishek Bachchan last night at the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) in Thane, Maharashtra, celebrating after making it to the finals of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), according to the reports.