Author: newsdesk

  • Is Imran Khan living a ‘luxurious’ life in jail? Atta Tarar explains

    Is Imran Khan living a ‘luxurious’ life in jail? Atta Tarar explains

    In a press conference held on Wednesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted that incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan is living a luxurious life in jail.

    The former Prime Minister has three rooms, a kitchen, and access to exercise equipment, among other amenities desired by the detained leader, Tarrar elaborated.

    The minister said that PTI has been actively seeking the revocation of the country’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus status from the European Union (EU). The GSP+ status, initiated in 2014 and recently extended until 2027, grants Pakistan favorable trade terms, including duty-free or minimal-duty exports to the European market, to foster good governance and sustainable development.

    Minister Tarar alleged that PTI spokespersons, purportedly receiving directives from incarcerated party members, are orchestrating a scheme to undermine Pakistan’s GSP+ status. He claimed that PTI’s criticism of the government’s treatment of its founder, Imran Khan, in prison serves as a pretext for their efforts to jeopardize the country’s trade privileges.

    Furthermore, Tarar accused PTI of engaging in a conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan’s economy, citing PTI’s alleged correspondence with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as evidence. He emphasized the incumbent government’s commitment to economic recovery and lambasted PTI for purportedly prioritizing political gain over national interests.

    In response to Tarar’s claims, a PTI spokesperson categorically denied any intention of petitioning the EU to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status, dismissing the allegations as baseless and accusing Tarar of disseminating falsehoods. The spokesperson highlighted PTI’s dedication to national prosperity and defended Imran Khan’s role in facilitating the IMF program, attributing delays to the incompetence of previous administrations.

    The exchange underscores escalating tensions between the ruling government and the opposition party, with both sides trading accusations amid mounting economic challenges. As Pakistan navigates through critical issues, including inflation and unemployment, political discord continues to cast a shadow over efforts to steer the nation towards stability and growth.

    When asked about the ban on X (former Twitter) in Pakistan, the information minister claimed that there is no ban on the platform and people are using it.

    We counter-checked his claim and X is still not accessible in Pakistan without a virtual private network (VPN).

  • Navin Waqar has a very tough workout plan

    Navin Waqar has a very tough workout plan

    Navin Waqar, known for her acting career, has overcome various challenges in her life and profession. Despite facing hardships, she has overcome obstacles and succeeded. Navin has also developed a passion for fitness, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular gym routines and nutritious eating habits.
    The actress shared a workout video on her Instagram account with the caption “You are your only limit.”
    She looks strong as she goes through her gym exercises, making you want to go to the gym too. Take a look at some of her workout routines below:

  • ‘Have asked Shehbaz to engage politically with Khan’, Ali Amin Gandapur meets PM

    ‘Have asked Shehbaz to engage politically with Khan’, Ali Amin Gandapur meets PM

    Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, indicating a possible melting of ice between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    Addressing a press conference with Ahsan Iqbal, Gandapur said that the meeting was positive. “I have asked the prime minister to politically engage with Imran Khan. Political engagement will lead to a political solution,” he told the members of the press.

    Gandapur also said Shehbaz confirmed that Gandapur would be allowed to meet Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail where authorities have increased security and barred ex-PM Khan from holding meetings owing to “threat alert”.

  • Gold price drops by Rs1,800 per tola as PKR records modest gains

    Gold price drops by Rs1,800 per tola as PKR records modest gains

    Gold prices in Pakistan experienced a downturn on Wednesday, echoing the global market trend.

    The precious metal, commonly known as the yellow metal, was priced at Rs228,300 per tola, marking a decrease of Rs1,800 over the course of the day.

    Data released by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA) revealed that the price of 10 grammes of gold stood at Rs195,730 after a decrease of Rs1,544.

    This decline follows a Rs100 reduction in gold prices per tola observed on Tuesday within the country. Internationally, gold was valued at $2,179 per ounce on Wednesday, reflecting a $18 decrease with a premium of $20.

    Meanwhile, silver prices remained stable at Rs2,600 per tola during the same period.

    On another front, the Pakistani rupee showed a slight improvement against the US dollar, appreciating by 0.11 per cent in the interbank market on Wednesday.

    At the close, the local currency settled at 278.79, gaining Re0.29 against the greenback, as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    On Monday, the rupee experienced a marginal decline, settling at 279.08 against the US dollar, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

  • ‘Aaj iftari mein kya banaein’; Maryam Nawaz talks about issues with deciding menu

    ‘Aaj iftari mein kya banaein’; Maryam Nawaz talks about issues with deciding menu

    Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab, paid an impromptu visit to the Johar Town Model Ramzan Bazaar in Lahore and had a relatable discussion with one of the shoppers.

    She examined various stalls and inspected the prices of fruits, vegetables, and other commodities.

    She also inquired about price lists and whether they were displayed as per instructions or not.

    Engaging with shoppers, Maryam asked about their satisfaction with both prices and the quality of available products, garnering positive responses from the women purchasing goods.

    She also asked a shopper what she was planning to make for iftari and then they discussed how deciding on the menu daily is an issue.

    Meanwhile, Lahore Divisional Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa announced the continuation of relief hamper deliveries as part of the ‘Ramazan Negahban’ package, aimed at assisting beneficiaries during the holy month of Ramadan. Presiding over a meeting, Randhawa disclosed that thus far, over 117,781 eligible individuals in the Lahore division had received food hampers directly at their doorsteps.

    With a focus on efficient distribution, the commissioner outlined daily delivery targets for each district, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy towards deviations from these targets. Lahore aims to achieve a daily delivery target ranging from 25,000 to 30,000, with other districts like Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib also striving to meet their respective goals.

    Furthermore, it was disclosed that the ‘Ramazan Negahban’ package had reached approximately 75,000 eligible individuals in Lahore alone, with stringent measures in place to verify beneficiary data using CNIC numbers and household addresses. The ambitious initiative is set to extend its reach to over a million eligible individuals across the division.

  • PIA instructs pilots and cabin crew not to fast while flying

    PIA instructs pilots and cabin crew not to fast while flying

    A new advisory issued by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has instructed pilots and the cabin crew to not observe fast in the month of Ramzan during flights, reports The Express Tribune.

    The directive issued by the manager of the flight safety department at PIA outlined guidelines regarding fasting during the flights.

    It said that fasting can potentially decrease alertness and impair decision-making abilities, which could lead to serious consequences in the emergencies. It also said that even though it is technically feasible, this may reduce the margin of safety, as per corporate safety management and the aircrew medical center’s advice.

    The official circular emphasised that although fasting is a highly important practice in Islam, it disrupts the normal routine and can lead to dehydration, a drop in glucose level, and other physiological changes.

    The directive clearly instructed all fasting cockpit and cabin crew members to abstain from operating flights, highlighting that self-exemptions cannot be claimed even under state law. It emphasised compliance with rules and regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

  • PTI’s Faisal Javed indicted for misbehaving with journalist

    PTI’s Faisal Javed indicted for misbehaving with journalist

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Javed has been indicted on Wednesday for inappropriate behaviour with a journalist, ARY News has reported.

    The charge sheet against him stated that Faisal Javed attacked a TV reporter and threatened him on August 9, 2022, noting that threatening a journalist is a crime. The indictment ordered to move forward with a case against the PTI leader.

    The PTI leader has denied the accusations and said that he didn’t threaten the journalist.

    Last month, Faisal Javed came out of months-long hiding and secured transit bail from Peshawar High Court (PHC).

  • Sonam Bajwa eager to visit Pakistan, says ‘I really want to come’

    Sonam Bajwa eager to visit Pakistan, says ‘I really want to come’

    Indian Punjabi film actor Sonam Bajwa has once again stated her desire to visit Pakistan and meet her fans there.

    Speaking at the launch of Pakistani fashion designer Mohsin Naveed Ranjha’s new store in London, Sonam Bajwa expressed eagerness to visit Pakistan. She said, “My heart is set on coming to Pakistan. I have many friends there and I really want to visit. Hopefully, soon I will.” She added, “To all those watching and listening, lots of love to you from my end. I am immensely grateful for the love you all shower on me.”

    This isn’t the first time Bajwa has expressed her wish to visit Pakistan. During a Q&A session on X (formerly known as Twitter) in 22 feb 2023, she confirmed, “Iss saal aavange (I will come this year).”

  • Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari in family photo with husband and sons

    Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari in family photo with husband and sons

    Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, daughter of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari, has appeared in a cute family photo shared by her husband Mahmood  Younas Choudhry on his Instagram account. The picture features Bakhtawar, her husband, and their two adorable sons.
    This latest family photo captures a special moment during their visit to Margala Hills in Islamabad, where they enjoyed quality time together.
    Bakhtawar and her family, who reside in Dubai, visited Pakistan to attend the oath ceremony of her father, Asif Ali Zardari, as the President of Pakistan. Following the ceremony, they took the opportunity to explore the beautiful Margala Hills.
    Bakhtawar, known for her active presence on social media, often shares glimpses of her personal life with her followers.

  • Iftikhar Ahmed fined for using inappropriate language against Quetta Gladiators

    Iftikhar Ahmed fined for using inappropriate language against Quetta Gladiators

    In the 30th match of Pakistan Super League 9, Multan Sultans’ Iftikhar Ahmed has been fined for using inappropriate language against Quetta Gladiators.

    According to PCB, Iftikhar Ahmed had used wrong language and sentences after taking the wicket of Quetta Gladiators in the third over due to which the middle order batsman has been fined 5% of the match fee.

    After the match, the match referee Ali Naqvi summoned him, on which Iftikhar Ahmed admitted his mistake. Iftikhar Ahmed’s inappropriate conduct falls within a level one breach, he has been fined under Article 2.5.