Author: newsdesk

  • Sana Javed and Shoaib Malik’s latest pictures wow fans

    Sana Javed and Shoaib Malik’s latest pictures wow fans

    Sana Javed, a popular Pakistani TV and movie star, has gained fame through her roles in hit dramas like Pyare Afzal, Zara Yad Kar, and Khaani. However, she’s been in the spotlight recently after marrying cricketer Shoaib Malik, former husband of Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza. Their wedding photos from January 2024 went viral, with Javed looking lovely in her bridal outfit.

    Nowadays, both Javed and Malik are actively taking part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), both on the pitch and behind the scenes. Javed is supporting Malik in the matches and sharing pictures of them together on Instagram. Recently, she posted pictures with Malik and cricketer Hassan Ali, showing them happily cheering and sharing jokes.

    Fans loved the casual photos and wanted more.
    Check the pictures below:

  • Nargis Fakhri’s heartfelt Women’s Day gesture on Instagram

    Nargis Fakhri’s heartfelt Women’s Day gesture on Instagram

    Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri has shared a bunch of flowers on Instagram, captioning her post with the quote: ‘Embracing the beauty of womanhood, one petal at a time.’ Happy International Women’s Day, wishing women worldwide a happy Women’s Day. Every March 8th, International Women’s Day is celebrated globally to honour women’s achievements and promote gender equality. On this day, organizations and human rights groups host special events. Nargis Fakhri’s post reminded people about the importance of the day. She encouraged women to stay strong and keep working towards their goals. Her message was simple but meaningful, spreading positivity and unity. Nargis Fakhri’s gesture on Instagram resonated with many, showing support for women’s empowerment. This Women’s Day, let’s remember the progress made and continue supporting each other for a more equal world. Nargis Fakhri’s post serves as a reminder to celebrate women’s accomplishments and advocate for their rights.

  • SJC recommends not using  titles ‘judge’, ‘justice’ with Mazahar Naqvi’s name

    SJC recommends not using  titles ‘judge’, ‘justice’ with Mazahar Naqvi’s name

    A five-judge bench of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has released a 33-page detailed opinion on Friday,  stating that former judge of the apex court, Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, has committed misconduct. The council recommended his removal from office and advised against using the titles ‘Justice’ or ‘Judge’ with his name in the future.

    The SJC discovered that the judge committed several instances of misconduct, which harmed the reputation of the judiciary.

    While Mr Naqvi had resigned a day before the SJC began proceedings on nine complaints against him under Article 209(6), the council decided to continue with its proceedings, with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa saying it was “necessary to remove the misperception that the institution of judiciary is above the law”.
    The Supreme Judicial Council, led by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, praised the Pakistan Bar Council (which oversees lawyers) and Advocate Mian Dawood for filing complaints to support the rule of law and accountability.

    The council found Naqvi guilty of violating his oath of office and the Code of Conduct for judges after at least five allegations made by the complainants were proven true.

    The council explained that it could not be stated that Mr Naqvi was “untouched by greed”, “was above reproach”, his conduct was “free from impropriety expected of a judge” in his official and private affairs and thus he violated Article II and III of the Code of Conduct. According to the SJC opinion, it was clear that he violated Article IV as his actions were swayed by consideration of “personal advantage”.

  • Oath-taking of MNAs on reserved seats unconstitutional: Omar Ayub Khan

    Oath-taking of MNAs on reserved seats unconstitutional: Omar Ayub Khan

    Omer Ayub Khan, lawmaker backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), strongly objected to the oath-taking of members of the National Assembly (MNAs) on reserved seats, calling it “unconstitutional.

    A group of newly elected lawmakers on reserved seats in the NA were sworn in. NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq administered the oath to the MNAs amidst chanting by PTI-backed SIC lawmakers.

    Taking the floor, Ayub — Imran Khan’s pick for the leader of the opposition — said: “Today’s oath-taking of MNAs on reserved seats is illegal and has no [legal] standing.”

    Raising questions over the oathtaking, the PTI leader asked a country can be run without the rule of law. “The system cannot work like this.”

    The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has extended a stay order on the oath-taking ceremony for lawmakers who were supposed to take their oaths on reserved seats supported by the PTI-backed SIC. This extension lasts until March 13.

  • Indian policeman beats Muslim men offering jummah on Delhi roadside

    Indian policeman beats Muslim men offering jummah on Delhi roadside

    A video of an Indian cop brutally beating Muslim men offering jummah prayers on the roadside in Delhi has gone viral. The video shows the policeman kicking and hitting Muslims who were kneeling down for sajdah (prostration).

    The incident took place in Delhi’s Inderlok area where a large number of Muslims gathered at a mosque on Friday, leading to several men praying on the road as the crowd overflowed the premises.

    Police officials arrived at the spot mid-prayers and started kicking and punching the Muslims. They can be heard telling the worshippers to vacate the place.
    The video shows one of them kicking and hitting the Muslims who were kneeling down for prayers. However, a crowd surrounded the cop and objected to his attitude, getting into a verbal brawl.

    Sharing the video of the incident, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi said, “What is this hatred that is filled in the heart of this soldier? Delhi Police is requested to file a case against this official under appropriate sections and terminate his service.”

    In an interview with Hindustan Times, Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) MK Meena said that an inquiry into the matter has been initiated. The official has been suspended with immediate effect and disciplinary action will also be taken, the DCP added.

  • Chairman PCB plans to upgrade three important stadiums

    Chairman PCB plans to upgrade three important stadiums

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to upgrade three important stadiums in the country before next year’s Champions Trophy.

    A meeting headed by Chairman PCB was held yesterday in which Nespak officials gave a briefing on the upgradation of stadiums.

    Mohsin Naqvi called for the final design plan for the upgrade of Gaddafi Stadium in three days, while in the second phase, the design plan for the upgrade of National Cricket Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be prepared.

    The upgradation of the three stadiums will be completed before the Champions Trophy.

    Mohsin Naqvi said, “The facilities for cricket fans in the stadiums will be improved, as per the need, the stadiums will be increased. The facilities in the boxes of Gaddafi Stadium will be improved. Upgradation work will be completed with quality and speed.”

    Pakistan will host the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy next year.

  • Novacare Hospitals to open Pakistan’s first internationally affiliated hospital in Islamabad in 2026

    Novacare Hospitals to open Pakistan’s first internationally affiliated hospital in Islamabad in 2026

    Novacare Hospitals (Private) Limited announced today that it will start constructing a state-of-the-art hospital in Islamabad, and has signed an international affiliation agreement with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, a leading UK teaching hospital group. The total investment in the project will be USD 110 million, and the hospital will be located on a 50-kanal (225,000 square foot) plot in DHA Phase-V, along the main DHA Expressway.

    The 250-bed hospital will have a covered area of 550,000 square feet and will provide comprehensive tertiary healthcare across 28 clinical services. The hospital is being designed by HKS, a leading global design firm. It aims to become Pakistan’s first LEED, WELL, and EDGE-certified hospital which are best-in-class certifications for sustainability and users’ wellbeing. It also aims to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, to achieve high standards of clinical quality & patient safety.

    Novacare is a recently established private healthcare provider in Pakistan, sponsored by the Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (part of the Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group) and managed by Andalus Holdings. Novacare aims to develop a world-class healthcare network across Pakistan and plans to open similar hospitals across other major cities of Pakistan. It will also develop satellite clinics, day surgery centers, diagnostics collection centers, medical education facilities, and a digital care navigation platform.

    The leadership team at Novacare will include seasoned healthcare professionals with local and international experience. Novacare is led by Mr. Johannes (Hans) Kedzierski who has previously served as the CEO of leading hospitals in multiple geographies including Medical Center Alkmaar, Netherlands, one of the largest Dutch teaching hospitals, Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, and, King’s College Hospital London in Jeddah.

    The affiliation was closely supported and facilitated by the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) in Pakistan, along with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in London. A signing ceremony took place in London on March 6, 2024, at the offices of the UK DBT at Admiralty House, which was attended by representatives from Imperial College Healthcare, Novacare, and the UK government.

    As a result of its affiliation with Imperial College Healthcare, Novacare will benefit from the expertise of a leading UK teaching hospital group. Novacare will gain expert advisory input from Imperial College Healthcare on models of care, services, and staffing, and aims to implement their clinical standards and protocols. Through these measures, Novacare intends to achieve the same standards of healthcare as is delivered at Imperial College Healthcare’s five London hospitals.

    About Novacare

    Novacare is developing a world-class, hub & spoke healthcare network across Pakistan, to enhance years of quality life within our families & communities, and to create an unrivaled professional environment for the next generation of world-leading Pakistani healthcare practitioners.

    Website: www.novacare.health

    Email: info@novacare.health

    About Imperial College Healthcare Private Care

    Imperial College Healthcare Private Care is part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, one of the largest teaching hospital groups in the UK. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has a global reputation for excellence in care, research, and education, and together with its affiliated university, Imperial College London, it runs the UK NHS’s largest biomedical research center. Imperial College Healthcare Private Care provides care for local and international patients across five renowned hospital sites in central and west London, including the flagship private facility, The Lindo Wing, and St Mary’s Hospital.

    Website: https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/private-care

    About Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group (KMLG)

    Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group (KMLG) is one of Pakistan’s largest conglomerates, with diverse operations in the textile, cement, and financial sectors, and traces its roots to an enterprise founded in the 1930s in Calcutta as the Kohinoor Rubber Works. The group currently is a majority shareholder in Kohinoor Textile Mills Limited (KTML), Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCFL), and Maple Leaf Capital Limited (MLCL).

    About Andalus Holdings

    Andalus Holdings is an investment holding and advisory firm based in Abu Dhabi, comprising a dedicated team of investment and healthcare professionals with decades of local and international experience.

    About the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is a department of the Government of the United Kingdom, equivalent to other countries’ ministries of foreign affairs. The department in its various forms is responsible for representing and promoting British interests worldwide.

    About the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

    The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) is the UK’s department for economic growth. DBT supports businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.

    About HKS

    HKS is a global firm of architects, designers, planners and advisors who create places noted for their beauty and performance. It employs 1,600 people in 29 offices, united by the belief that an environmental, social and governance approach to design achieves design excellence. In 2023, HKS became a carbon neutral firm. HKS values honesty, diversity and inclusion and celebrates creative thinking. In partnership with its clients and collaborators, HKS crafts powerful ideas and solutions. Together HKS creates places that stand apart.

  • SNGPL to provide uninterrupted gas supply during Sahr and Iftar in Ramadan

    SNGPL to provide uninterrupted gas supply during Sahr and Iftar in Ramadan

    Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has affirmed its commitment to providing uninterrupted gas supply during the holy month of Ramadan, specifically catering to the Sahr and Iftar periods. The decision comes as a proactive measure to facilitate consumers adhering to their religious practices.

    According to a spokesperson from Sui Northern, the gas supply will remain constant from 2:30 am to 8 am for Sahr (pre-dawn meal) and from 3 pm to 10 pm for Iftar (breaking of the fast). This move is aimed at ensuring a seamless gas service for consumers at crucial times during Ramadan.

    In addressing potential gas pressure issues, Sui Northern Gas has formed monitoring teams and established control rooms. These initiatives are designed to swiftly resolve any challenges that may arise, emphasising the company’s dedication to a reliable gas supply throughout the holy month.

    Consumers experiencing gas pressure or supply problems are encouraged to contact the dedicated helpline at 1199.

  • Bitcoin surges to new heights, breaking $70,000 barrier

    Bitcoin surges to new heights, breaking $70,000 barrier

    In a surge of volatile trading, Bitcoin soared to an all-time high of $70,000 on Friday, fueled by the ongoing frenzy in the crypto investment landscape.

    This marks a significant milestone for the leading cryptocurrency, driven by increased investor demand for new U.S. spot exchange-traded crypto products and optimistic expectations of a global decline in interest rates.

    The cryptocurrency reached an impressive $70,105 before experiencing a swift drop, currently settling at $68,317.72. The recent influx of billions of dollars into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has provided substantial support.

    Furthermore, a positive market outlook is influenced by the upcoming upgrade to the Ethereum blockchain platform, which houses the second-largest cryptocurrency, Ether.

    Additionally, anticipation surrounds the bitcoin “halving” event scheduled for April, which is expected to slow down the rate of bitcoin minting.

    However, scepticism persists regarding the speculative nature of these digital assets. Despite reaching a record high earlier in the week, Bitcoin encountered a sharp reversal, plummeting more than 10 per cent and slipping below the $60,000 threshold.

    Antoni Trenchev, co-founder of the crypto lending platform Nexo, acknowledged the challenges of navigating historic highs, stating, “Volatility defines bitcoin bull markets, and 2024 will be littered with sudden and gut-wrenching 10 per cent–20 per cent plunges.”

    The approval of 11 spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in late January marked a pivotal moment for the crypto industry.

    This comes after an 18-month-long crypto winter plagued by corporate bankruptcies and scandals.

    In a noteworthy shift, institutional investors, who were once cautious due to the unpredictable nature of crypto, are now committing long-term investments.

    Analysts believe that this institutional support could play a vital role in sustaining the current upward momentum.

    According to LSEG data, net flows into the ten largest U.S. spot bitcoin funds reached $2.2 billion in the week ending March 1, with over $2 billion of that directed towards BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT.O).

  • 8th straight surge: Gold price increases to Rs228,600 per tola in Pakistan

    8th straight surge: Gold price increases to Rs228,600 per tola in Pakistan

    In a remarkable eighth consecutive session, the domestic bullion market has maintained its bullish trend, driving the price of 24-karat gold to new heights.

    The surge reached an impressive Rs13,800 per tola during this period, with today’s session witnessing a gain of Rs450 per tola, bringing the current trade value to Rs228,600.

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported that the price of 10-gramme 24-karat gold has soared to Rs195,988 per tola, marking an increase of Rs386.

    Additionally, the price of 10-gramme 22-karat gold has experienced a notable rise, reaching Rs179,655.

    Contrastingly, silver prices have remained unchanged, with 24-karat silver maintaining its position at Rs2,600 per tola and Rs2,229.08 per 10-gramme.

    Internationally, the spotlight is on the global spot gold market, which is poised to record its most significant weekly jump in five months.

    Over the past eight sessions, spot rates have climbed by 6.7 per cent, or $136, spurred by remarks from FED Chair Jerome Powell that have solidified expectations for interest rate cuts later in the year.

    The inverse relationship between gold and bond yields has contributed to the precious metal’s robust performance.

    Additionally, the rally in procyclical asset classes, particularly equities, has provided further support to gold as investors seek to diversify their risk exposure.