Author: newsdesk

  • PTI-backed candidate claims ‘being forced to join PPP or MQM-P’.

    PTI-backed candidate claims ‘being forced to join PPP or MQM-P’.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidate Shanawaz Jadoon has claimed that he was declared the loser in Karachi’s PS-115 (Keamari) constituency when he refused to join the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) or the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

    The politician said in a video statement that he was threatened by unknown persons that he would lose his provincial assembly seat if he did not join the PPP or MQM-P. 

    “I’ve been receiving phone calls since morning asking me to leave Imran Khan. I told them that I won’t leave Imran Khan under any circumstances,” he said in the video statement.

    Shanawaz Jadoon has said that he is standing with Imran Khan and party workers, who struggled day and night to get him elected as a Member Provincial Assembly (MPA).

    “I will die, but never leave Imran Khan’s side. Thousands of such seats can be sacrificed for Imran Khan and the people of my constituency,” he said, adding that he has no interest in becoming a member of the provincial assembly.

  • Celebs express love for their spouses on Valentine’s Day

    Celebs express love for their spouses on Valentine’s Day

    Valentine’s Day came and went with all its usual festivities and mark of love. People around the world, no matter their culture, celebrate this day with roses and dinners.
    On Valentine’s Day, couples show their love by sending cards, gifts, and spending time together. Many plan romantic dinners or outings. This year, lots of Pakistani celebrities shared their love for their partners with sweet messages and pictures. People like Saboor Aly, Ali Ansari, Hiba Qadir, Iqra Aziz, and others shared beautiful photos. Some even posted videos. You can see all these lovely moments right here:

  • NTDC assures uninterrupted power supply during holy month of Ramzan

    NTDC assures uninterrupted power supply during holy month of Ramzan

    The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) has announced its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply throughout the country during the forthcoming holy month of Ramzan, scheduled to commence in mid-March. 

    Directed by Managing Director Engr. Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan, the government-supported power transmission entity is diligently executing its comprehensive maintenance programme for NTDC transmission lines and grid stations to ensure continuous electricity provision to the populace.

    In a statement to the media on Wednesday, an NTDC spokesperson outlined the ongoing maintenance regimen, which includes washing, cleaning, and the replacement of disc insulation, among other essential tasks undertaken by respective NTDC formations.

    These efforts, the spokesperson emphasised, aim to bolster the reliability of transmission lines and grid stations, thereby guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply during Ramzan.

    As part of the programme, planned shutdowns have been scheduled for 500 kV and 220 kV transmission line circuits in the southern region. During these shutdowns, activities such as insulator cleaning, washing, tightening of nuts and bolts, and replacement of disc insulators with RTV-coated disc insulators on the red, yellow, and blue phases are being carried out.

    The spokesperson provided detailed statistics, noting that a total of 73,493 disc insulators were washed and cleaned at 459 locations, while 9,804 disc insulators were replaced at 55 locations. 

    Additionally, over 688 braces and 570 nuts and bolts were installed. Notably, at the 220 kV grid station Jhampir-1, two damaged disc insulator strings were replaced alongside the installation of two healthy EMCO-Make disc insulator strings.

    Supervising the maintenance programme is the General Manager (Asset Management-South), who ensures adherence to the schedule. The NTDC managing director has expressed appreciation for the performance of the involved transmission line divisions and urged the timely completion of maintenance work.

    The proactive measures undertaken by NTDC underscore its dedication to providing essential services, particularly during significant periods such as Ramzan, when uninterrupted power supply is paramount for communities across the nation.

  • Dead politicians come back to life for Indian elections

    Dead politicians come back to life for Indian elections

    Dead Indian politicians are coming back to life with the help of artificial intelligence as the election is around the corner in the country.

    As election campaigns are underway, certain political contenders are resorting to resurrecting dead politicians to appeal to the public. In January, M Karunanidhi, Indian writer and politician, made an appearance during a live assembly via projected screen, and congratulated his “82-year-old friend and fellow politician” TR Baalu on the launch of his autobiographical book.

    Karunanidhi, who died in 2018, has been resurrected thrice as of yet.

    Deep fake speeches have also been used to highlight his son’s achievements, MK Stalin, who is leading the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party.

    This development raises profound questions about the ethical and legal implications of using AI to resurrect deceased individuals and ascribe opinions to them.

    The decision to utilise AI for elections has multiple downsides such as lack of authenticity, ethics etc.

  • Mohammad Hafeez parts ways with Pakistan Cricket Board

    Mohammad Hafeez parts ways with Pakistan Cricket Board

    Muhammad Hafeez’s role as Director of Cricket has ended after an administrative change in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    According to the sources of Geo News, Muhammad Hafeez has been given a clear message by the board’s top officials that his services will not be required in the near future.

    The former batsman left for the Australia tour in December 2023 as director of cricket, but before the New Zealand tour was over, PCB management committee chief Zaka Ashraf resigned from his post.

    The manner in which Hafeez operated under Zaka Ashraf’s chairmanship was a cause of great concern to some board officials, the first practical example of which was seen at the end of the tour, when he met Acting Chairman PCB.

    After that, Hafeez was not given a platform on the detailed media briefing of the tour, after which it was reported that Chief Executive Salman Naseer and International Director Usman Wahla had developed reservations. The latest escalation in the situation came when, according to reports, Hafeez could not meet the new Chairman PCB Mohsin Raza Naqvi despite efforts to see him.

    After repeatedly contacting Nabila and Director Media Alia Rashid in the Chairman’s office, he could not get an encouraging response. Now he has received a clear message from Chief Executive Salman Naseer that the chairman does not seem willing to give him more time as a director and wants to have a foreign coaching staff with a different mindset.

  • More voters, less turnout: FAFEN on Feb 8 polls

    More voters, less turnout: FAFEN on Feb 8 polls

    The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has reported that around 60.6 million Pakistanis voted in the country’s 12th general elections, held on February 8. This number was higher than 2018 elections, in which least 54.8 million citizens participated. The number this increased by 5.8 million voters, according to FAFEN post-election analysis report.

    The election watchdog reported that fewer people voted in the recent general polls compared to the total number of registered voters. In 2018, 52.1 percent of registered voters participated in the polls whereas this year, only 47.6 percent turned out to vote.

    The decrease in turnout, however, can be largely attributed to the increase in registered voters from 106 million in 2018 to 128.6 million in 2024. A considerable rise of 22.6 million registered voters between the 2018 and 2024 elections was highlighted in the report.

    The report suggested that the turnout might have been affected by several factors, including severe winter in some areas, concerns about violence and terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, and uncertainty regarding how the elections would be conducted.

    The analysis report on voter turnout reveals that KP had the lowest turnout. The report also notes that voter turnout varies across National Assembly (NA) constituencies, with Islamabad Capital Territory recording the highest turnout.

  • Arrest warrants issued for future Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur

    Arrest warrants issued for future Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur

    The Azad Kashmir Election Commission has issued an arrest warrant for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominated Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur.

    A case was filed Gandapur for violation of code of conduct in Azad Kashmir elections. Deputy Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan has also been issued an arrest warrant for the PTI leader,in which he has been directed to appear before the Election Commission of Azad Kashmir on February 28.

    The petition against Ali Amin was filed by lawyer Raja Zulqarnain during the 2021 election.

    Differences have emerged in PTI over the nomination of the controversial leader for the highest post in the province.

    According to sources, Asad Qaiser, Mushtaq Ghani, Atif Khan and Shehram Tarkai are unhappy with the nomination.

  • ECC greenlights 25% sales tax increase on domestic cars

    ECC greenlights 25% sales tax increase on domestic cars

    In a significant development, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has given its nod to a proposal for increasing the sales tax on vehicles manufactured and assembled within the borders of Pakistan.

    The decision was finalised during a pivotal ECC meeting held in the capital city on Wednesday.

    The proposal, presented by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), suggested an elevation in the sales tax applicable to the auto sector, particularly on vehicles produced and assembled domestically.

    Following a comprehensive deliberation, the ECC cabinet sanctioned the process for determining a 25 per cent sales tax rate on locally manufactured and assembled vehicles.

    As per the endorsed proposal, vehicles valued at Rs4 million or equipped with 1400 cc engines will be subject to a 25 per cent sales tax.

    This taxation structure is anticipated to persist in the upcoming budget, signalling potential implications for consumers as a result of the price hike.

    The imposition of a 25 per cent sales tax on 1400cc vehicles is expected to have a direct impact on the pricing structure, leading to a potential surge in vehicle costs. The ECC’s decision aligns with ongoing efforts to streamline fiscal policies in the country.

    In addition to this decision, the ECC also greenlit a substantial subsidy of Rs7,492.75 million under the Ramazan Relief Package 2024.

    Chaired by Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, the meeting aimed to address the financial aspects of the relief package, particularly subsidising the targeted beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

    According to a press statement issued by the finance ministry, the subsidy allocation is part of the budget for 2023–24, with a primary focus on providing support to those identified under the BISP. This move underscores the government’s commitment to social welfare initiatives.

    Furthermore, the ECC approved a proposal related to the “Permission to Import Wheat and Export of Wheat Flour under the Export Facilitation Scheme 2021.” This decision, brought forth by the Ministry of Commerce, reflects the government’s strategic measures to balance wheat supply and demand dynamics in the country.

    The ECC meeting signifies a pivotal moment in shaping economic policies, with decisions that carry far-reaching implications for both the automotive sector and social welfare initiatives in Pakistan.

    The approved proposals are poised to contribute to the broader economic landscape and address pertinent challenges in the nation’s fiscal framework.

  • ‘No one is interested in Careem’s shit’; Rana Sanaullah’s office account hates on ride app Careem after Careem’s tweet

    ‘No one is interested in Careem’s shit’; Rana Sanaullah’s office account hates on ride app Careem after Careem’s tweet

    Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) has posted a tweet against ride sharing company Careem after the app put up a cryptic post on their social media account.

    After February 8 elections, PML-N secured 79 seats, the PPP 54 seats, and independent candidates who were supported by the PTI led the field with 93 seats in the National Assembly, according to preliminary results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

    The PML-N, which was sure it would have a majority to establish its own government in the Center and Punjab, did not appear to be anticipating the outcomes.

    Careem found itself in a sticky situation following the sharing of a mysterious yet hilarious tweet.

    The post features PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat’s well-known statement, “Program to war gaya” (Game is over).

    The PML-N took exception at the post and began pushing for Careem to be boycotted for its “shameful” act.

    “This isn’t the first time they have done this. @CareemPAK showing its true colors again. More interested in pushing political agendas. Shameful,” the account said.

    There was mixed response,, with some people applauding it and others criticizing the ride-sharing firm for becoming involved in politics.

    However President of PML-N punjab Rana Sanaullah shared an angry post stating, “Relax!! Everyone is using InDrive and Uber; no one is interested in Careem’s shit; that’s why they try useless marketing tactics to be relevant since the ride-sharing company is already trembling.”

  • Will PTI secure reserved seats in National Assembly?

    Will PTI secure reserved seats in National Assembly?

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has confirmed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will not get reserve seats despite an alliance with other political parties, including Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), ARY News reported on Wednesday.

    ECP sources revealed that the MWM did not submit a list of reserved seats for women as required by Section 104 of the Election Act, and they missed the submission deadline.

    Furthermore, it was revealed that political parties are allowed to submit the list of reserved seats until the deadline for the submission of nomination papers. 

    However, once the deadline passes, no political party can submit a list of reserved seats.

    A day earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to form an alliance with MWM to create a government in the centre.