Author: newsdesk

  • Hey Swifties, can you guess Taylor Swift songs like Bilal does?

    Hey Swifties, can you guess Taylor Swift songs like Bilal does?

    Setting the bar a bit too high for all Swifties around the globe, Pakistani boy Bilal Ilyas Jhandir (20) has officially secured a place in the Guinness World Records for identifying the most songs sung by the superstar from their lyrics in just one minute. The self-proclaimed “die-hard fan” broke the previous record of 27 by naming an impressive 34 songs, reported

    .

    “I have been listening to Taylor Swift since my childhood. I have listened to each and every song of hers. I can identify almost any song of hers from the lyrics,” Bilal shared with Guinness World Records.

    To achieve the remarkable accomplishment, Bilal had to recognise Swift’s songs from their opening lyrics, read aloud without any accompanying music. Despite already being well-versed in the lyrics of all her songs, he dedicated 13 weeks to extensive preparation, even going so far as to recite them in his sleep.

    Bilal characterised his record-breaking attempt as “an easy task,” acknowledging, however, that the complexity increased as the lyrics were spoken aloud by a man, rather than being sung by Swift.

    Bilal had already broken three other world records earlier, including identifying the most animals from the sounds they make under one minute in 2021, and last year, identifying the most Justin Bieber songs from their lyrics in one minute.

    “This record is my favorite of all of them. Being called a ‘Certified Swiftie’ or ‘Officially Amazing Swiftie’ is such an incredible feeling,” the fan expressed, adding that he considers this accomplishment his chart-topper, reports The Express Tribune.

    Notably, Bilal, a college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, has been listening to the Red artist since the age of 13 and declared Folklore to be an “absolute masterpiece,” easily naming it as his favourite album.

  • Quetzal Softalogy Partners with Sagevanguard Tech to Introduce Cutting-Edge Commercial WiFi Routers to Pakistan

    Quetzal Softalogy Partners with Sagevanguard Tech to Introduce Cutting-Edge Commercial WiFi Routers to Pakistan

    Quetzal Softalogy Pvt. Ltd. and Sagevanguard Tech have forged a strategic partnership to introduce cutting-edge commercial WIFI routers and other IT products to Pakistan. The routers, capable of connecting 256 devices and featuring mesh capability at commercial level.

    In this groundbreaking collaboration, Sagevanguard Tech, a Hong Kong-based leader in wireless network technology, is teaming up with Quetzal Softalogy, Pakistan to bring advanced commercial WIFI routers to Pakistan. These state-of-the-art routers not only support up to 256 devices at one time with mesh capability for seamless connectivity but also mark the beginning of a comprehensive venture. Mr. Noah from Sagevanguard Tech will lead operations in the Pakistani market, overseeing not only the distribution of routers but also the development of technology-based AI devices. Beyond technological innovation, Quetzal Softalogy’s commitment to minimizing the digital divide in Pakistan is a core aspect of this partnership, with a focus on fostering development in underserved areas.

    About Sagevanguard Tech: Sagevanguard Tech, based in Hong Kong, is a leading company dedicated to wireless network technology. With a focus on research, development, and innovation in the field of commercial networks, Sagevanguard Tech aims to drive the future of digital connectivity and create broader business possibilities for customers through advanced technological solutions.

    About Quetzal Softalogy Pvt. Ltd.: Quetzal Softalogy Pvt. Ltd. is a prominent provider of ICT solutions and services, offering network design, software and mobile app development, web design, and IT consultancy. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Quetzal Softalogy seeks to empower businesses and organizations through cutting-edge technology.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    +92 301 8481054

  • Here’s how you can find your polling station on Feb 8

    Here’s how you can find your polling station on Feb 8

    Elections are around the corner and ECP has upgraded its helpline number with details of polling stations one can go to cast his or her vote.

    Voters are required to send their CNIC number on 8300. Details of the constituencies, both provincial and central, along with the address of the polling station for the polls on Feburary 8 will be revealed.

    Previously, sending CNIC only showed the constituencies and registration numbers but now it shows the assigned polling stations too.

  • Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi sentenced to 10 years in prison

    Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi sentenced to 10 years in prison

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each in the cipher case today. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the cipher case and delivered the verdict at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

    Both politicians denied that they were involved in misusing diplomatic cables and leaking state documents for political purposes.

    Before announcing the verdict, Judge Zulqarnain, reminded the PTI leaders that their lawyers were not appearing in court and they were given state lawyers.

    During the hearing, Imran and Qureshi were given questions under 342. However, both leaders said that their lawyers are not present, asking how can they record their statement.

    The decision comes a day after the hearing was postponed because Imran Khan disrupted the last hearing by shouting angrily.

    What is cipher case?

    Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, dubbed the Cipher, sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later. At a public rally in 2023, held just days before his ouster from the Prime Minister’s office, Khan waved a folded piece of paper from the podium, stating that it is the cable.

    Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government, which was then in power in Pakistan.

    Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.

  • Imran Khan is in jail for 10 years: what does he want you to do?

    Imran Khan is in jail for 10 years: what does he want you to do?

    In a recent message issued from jail, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has told his supporters what to do in case he is sentenced in the cipher case.

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years each in the cipher case today. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard delivered the verdict orally at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

    Khan expressed concerns about the ongoing trial and other alleged false cases in a post on X (former Twitter). He highlighted the challenges faced in ensuring a fair trial, emphasizing the manipulation of legal proceedings and attempts to prematurely conclude the case.

    “Cipher case has twice been declared null and void by the Islamabad High Court followed by orders of a retrial because both times this case was being tried outside of law and constitution,” Prime Minister Khan stated.

    He further pointed out that despite the central witnesses’ testimonies yielding no substantial evidence against him and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the orchestrators of the ‘London Plan’ seem determined to conclude the trial without following proper legal procedures.

    “It’s not a trial; it’s a fixed match, with results predetermined by the architects of the London Plan and their cohorts. Hence, I am aware of the outcome even before the trial concludes,” Khan asserted.

    Addressing his supporters, Khan cautioned against falling into the trap set by those who wish to exploit the situation for their interests. He urged them to stay vigilant and not be swayed by provocations aiming to incite protests on the streets.

    “Some want me to receive a harsh punishment in this case to fuel public outrage, leading to street protests akin to the May 8 scenario. Others hope for a sense of despair and disappointment among you, keeping you confined to your homes on February 8,” he stated.

    Khan called upon the people to view the situation as a test of their resilience and commitment to justice. He reminded them of the power of their vote, urging them to stand against the manipulative forces and ensure a fair electoral process.

    “My faith is that just as you broke free from the chains of fear in the past, you will come out in millions on election day, defeating the architects of the London Plan and showing them that we are not helpless animals to be herded. I believe February 8 will be a day of victory, Insha’Allah,” concluded Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    What is a Cipher case?

    Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the Cipher. This was sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later.

    Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan.

    Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.

  • ECP to complete printing of ballot papers by February 2

    ECP to complete printing of ballot papers by February 2

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Tuesday that it will complete the process of printing ballot papers by February 2, as the upcoming elections are set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Electoral authorities directed security officials to deliver ballot papers in all provinces across the country.

    The ECP spokesperson said that three government press institutes are currently printing ballot papers, and the process is going well.

    “The printing work, which started on January 16 after the allotment of election symbols by returning officers (ROs), will be completed in the next four days, i.e. by February 2,” the ECP official said.

    He also stated that returning officers (ROs) and district administrations have started the delivery process of ballot papers with the help of security officials. The ballot papers will be delivered by both road and air.    

    Other than that, the ECP official also said that people can send SMS at 8300 to get information about their polling station.

    Voters will have to send their identity card number to 8300 to get their vote information. All voters have been requested to get details of their and their families’ votes on time so that they do not face any problems finding polling stations.

  • ‘Mujhay shouq hai kawwon se batein karne ka’; Man calling crows goes viral

    ‘Mujhay shouq hai kawwon se batein karne ka’; Man calling crows goes viral

    Heartthrob actor Ahsan Khan recently shared a video of a guard who is fond of calling out to crows and it will be the most baffling thing you will ever see.

    In the video, Ahsan showed a clear sky to indicate that there are no crows flying about in the sky nor are they perched on trees. He then lets the man do magic with his voice. The man shouts out as if he is cawing. Within seconds, the sky gets filled with a large number of crows, all gearing up to settle on the trees around.

    Ahsan expressed amazement after seeing the crows. To this, the security guard humbly says, “Mujhay shouq hai inn say baatein karne ka”, implying that he loves talking to the birds.

  • Guitarist, music maestro Adnan Afaq passes away

    Guitarist, music maestro Adnan Afaq passes away

    Famous Pakistani guitarist Adnan Afaq passed away in Karachi yesterday. The Arts Council of Pakistan confirmed the sad news on their official Instagram account. Adnan Afaq had been battling stomach cancer and was getting treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.

    Adnan Afaq was not only a renowned guitarist but also the Head of the Music Department at the Arts Council of Pakistan. He taught music to many talented young artists, helping them enter the music scene in Pakistan.
    For many years, Adnan Afaq contributed to the music industry in Pakistan. The Arts Council of Pakistan honored his services at the conclusion of its first Alumni Festival.

  • After Ayodhya, Hindutva leaders now targeting muslim dargah in Mumbai

    After Ayodhya, Hindutva leaders now targeting muslim dargah in Mumbai

    Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ignited controversy by announcing his intent to “liberate” the 700-year-old Haji Malang dargah, a historic Muslim shrine situated on the outskirts of Mumbai, exclusively for Hindus. The shrine, known for its Sufi heritage and cultural significance, has become the focal point of a heated religious dispute.

    After the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked a significant amount of “divine” support from his followers for upcoming elections. The next target to double the effect is the Sufi shrine. This is aimed to polarize the voters even more.

    CM Shinde while speaking at the annual Malang-gad Harinam Mahotsav in Thane distinct, broke away from the late Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to lead a BJP-backed coalition, said he is “committed to liberate Malang-gad”, adding he would not rest till he has fulfilled the promise.

    Malang-gad (’gad’ means a fort in Marathi) is famous for its 12th-century shrine of Sufi saint Haji Abdul Rahman, popularly known as ‘Haji Malang’. According to Kashmir Media Service, Haji Malang dargah, atop a hill, is believed to house the tomb of an Arab missionary who arrived in India over seven centuries ago. On the contrary, Hindus believe the place holds the samadhi of Machindranath, a revered deity in the Nathpanthi sect, which was later converted into a dargah.

    An article published in The Times of India on Feb 14, 1993 reveals the arrest of Thane’s top Shiv Sena leader late Anand Dighe while leading an agitation demanding the renaming of Malang-gad as Shri Malang. Dighe was Mr Shinde’s mentor and the promise to liberate Malang-gad is a logical political move on the chief minister’s part to claim his master’s legacy, quotes Dawn.

    Nasir Khan, chairman of the Peer Haji Malang Saheb Trust, refers to the Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency which mentions the structure as the shrine built in honour of Arab missionary Haji Abd-ul-Rahman. “It is only in the 1980s that the Shiv Sena began making claims of it being a Hindu temple. If it was a Hindu temple, why did the Peshwa kings send gifts to the shrine?” asks Mr Khan.
    According to the chairman of the Trust, Haji Malang is equally revered by Hindu and Muslims. He says that even Christians and Parsis visit the shrine to seek blessings.

  • Shehzad Roy tweets about ‘time flying’; fans have hilarious reaction

    Shehzad Roy tweets about ‘time flying’; fans have hilarious reaction

    We all know Shehzad Roy is refusing to age. While the world marches past him on the endless loop of time, the singer, social worker, and humanitarian stays put, refusing to let time ravage him. Roy, actively involved in promoting education and child rights through his organization, Zindagi Trust, is revered and adored for his altruistic projects and, you know, being ageless.

    Recently he took to his X (formerly Twitter) account and shares a photo with Fatima, who he said is like a little sister to him. He wrote: “Fatima, just like my younger sister, grew up in front of me, and now she’s stepping into a new chapter as she gets married. Time flies so fast. May she stay happy always, and all my best wishes are with her.”

    Well, the photo and post was adorable enough but Roy’s reference to time flying triggered his fans into reminding him that time has no effect on him.

    Here are some funny reactions from twitter: