Author: newsdesk

  • Local gold market sees surge: Prices hit Rs217,900 per tola

    Local gold market sees surge: Prices hit Rs217,900 per tola

    On Monday, gold rates in Pakistan experienced a notable surge, mirroring an upward trend in the global market.

    The price of the precious metal reached Rs217,900 per tola in the local market, marking a gain of Rs450 within the day.

    According to data provided by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the 10-gramme gold was traded at Rs186,814, reflecting an increase of Rs386.

    This upward trajectory follows a noteworthy rise of Rs950 per tola in gold prices on the preceding Saturday.

    The international gold rate exhibited a similar positive movement, reaching $2,075 per ounce on Monday with a $20 premium.

    This uptick of $7 in the global market was reported by APGJSA. Meanwhile, silver rates remained unchanged at Rs2,650 per tola.

    These fluctuations in precious metal prices highlight the dynamic nature of the market, influenced by both domestic and international factors.

    Investors and stakeholders continue to monitor these developments for their implications on the broader economic landscape.

  • Muhammad Hafeez’s strict attitude has made senior players unhappy

    Muhammad Hafeez’s strict attitude has made senior players unhappy

    Senior players of Pakistan cricket are upset and unhappy with the strict behavior of team director, Muhammad Hafeez.

    Tension has erupted between team management and the players in New Zealand over the issue of the No Objections Certificate (NOC), Geo sources have said.

    After losing three Tests in Australia, the Pakistan team has also been defeated in both T20 Internationals in New Zealand.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given unlimited powers to Hafeez after he replaced Mickey Arthur as director, putting him at the forefront of many decisions in domestic cricket.

    Sources say that some players including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan had asked for and were issued NOCs for the expensive league ILT Twenty20 in Dubai. Still, some of the big cricketers asked for the NOC for the Bangladesh Premier League but Mohammad Hafeez is hesitant, which threatens his contracts.

    Senior players are also not happy with long team meetings. Players say that they are interfering and interrupting unnecessarily which is spoiling the atmosphere of the team.

    When Geo News tried to get a response from the Pakistan team management and PCB, they indicated that everything was fine.

    Team sources say that although right now tension is in the initial stage, but going forward, things may become more bitter.

    The final of the ILT Twenty will be played on February 17, the same day as the opening match of the Pakistan Super League. Retired player Mohammad Amir has been issued NOC for ILT Twenty20.

  • ‘Paani mai doobi shimla mirch’, Sushant Singh’s girlfriend Rhea reveals what happened to her in Indian jail

    ‘Paani mai doobi shimla mirch’, Sushant Singh’s girlfriend Rhea reveals what happened to her in Indian jail

    Late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s girlfriend, actress Rhea Chakraborty, has shared details about the harrowing time she spent in jail after a media witch-hunt, following the heartthrob’s suicide.

    In a recent interview, Rhea revealed that her time in jail was the toughest, as she was kept alone in a room for 14 days because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The food provided had to be eaten; they would ask if I was hungry and served dry rotis with water-soaked bell peppers.”

    The actress said she found her source of being positive in her fellow inmates. “I started feeling grateful when I saw that many prisoners don’t have family support. Or they don’t have Rs. 5,000 or Rs. 10,000 for their bail. At least, I have my family and friends. I told myself, ‘You will get justice. You will get bail. You have not done anything wrong. I have so much to learn from these women while I am here. Why am I wasting my time sulking about what is not in my control?’” she said.

    Rhea Chakraborty described the jail routine, stating, “Breakfast at 6 am, lunch at 11 am, and dinner at 2 pm were provided. Some would save lunch for later, but I thought if the food isn’t good, it shouldn’t be eaten cold, so I stuck to my routine.”

    Regarding the investigations into Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide, Rhea Chakraborty has faced allegations from Sushant’s family, which she vehemently denies. She continues to demand a transparent investigation into Sushant’s death from Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

  • ‘A terrorist group could not be given a political party’s electoral symbol’: Maryam Nawaz

    ‘A terrorist group could not be given a political party’s electoral symbol’: Maryam Nawaz

    In the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) inaugural rally for the upcoming general elections in Okara, the party’s Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz strongly criticized political rivals Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) without naming it, calling it a “terrorist party” and questioning the allocation of an electoral symbol to such an entity.

    The PML-N, which had faced delays in launching its campaign, is now gearing up for the February 8 polls and is set to reveal its manifesto.

    The delay in the campaign kick-off was attributed to the PML-N’s extensive deliberations on ticket distribution and seat adjustments with the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).

    Party leader Nawaz Sharif, concerned about his party being labeled the ‘favorite’ of the establishment, aims to dispel the impression during the election campaign, according to insider sources.

    During her address to party supporters, Maryam Nawaz, without explicitly naming the PTI, asserted that a “terrorist party” should not be assigned an election symbol like other political entities.

    She hurled an array of criticism at Imran Khan during the address and blamed him for orchestrating and carrying out the May 9 violent attacks.

    She mocked Khan for snatching of his electoral symbol, saying that his election symbol should not be a bat but a “baton”.

    The PML-N chief organizer also dubbed Imran Khan’s party a group of terrorists. “A terrorist group could not be given a political party’s electoral symbol,” she said.

    “Your electoral symbol should be the watch that you stole or the petrol bomb that you hurled on police officials,” she said, adding “what goes around comes around”.

    “Your electoral symbol was not bat but baton with which you attacked military installments. The baton has been snatched from your hand,” she maintained.

    Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the PTI’s current situation is a consequence of its own actions and warned that the nation would not tolerate a political party manipulating its internal elections without consequences.

    Referring to Imran Khan without explicitly mentioning his name, Maryam stated, “He was used to getting bails […] he was used to facilitation. But neither the facilitation nor the facilitators remain.”

    She asserted that now only the law and the nation would determine the outcomes.

    Maryam assured supporters that if the PML-N emerged victorious in the upcoming polls, it would prioritize issues such as good education, cheap electricity, women empowerment, and an improved living standard. She stressed that the PML-N did not seek revenge and believed in facing challenges truthfully and honestly.

    The PML-N leader also highlighted that Nawaz Sharif’s “real umpire” was the public, expressing confidence that the people would bring him back to power.

  • Passenger slaps pilot for delay in flight

    Passenger slaps pilot for delay in flight

    In a video that has gone viral, a passenger rose in fury from his seat to slap a pilot who was announcing a delay in the flight.

    The incident took place on IndiGo’s 6E2175 service from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Dabolim in Goa. The plane was scheduled to take off at 7:40 am but, according to flight tracking website FlightAware, departed at 5:33 pm, after prolonged delays, including heavy fog limited visibility, and an enforced change of crew due to flight duty time limitations.

    The disturbing video of the assault – widely shared online – also shows the IndiGo crew rushing to help the pilot and members of the cabin crew hysterically remonstrating with the passenger identified as Sahil Kataria, telling him (in Hindi), “You can’t do this… you can’t do this!”. To which he responded, “Why can’t I do this? Why can’t I?”

    Addressing the passenger, the air hostess said that what he did was very wrong. The other passengers also blamed Indigo for delaying flights.
    The passenger, later taken into custody by the security staff.

    The plane pilot lodged a complaint against the passenger with Delhi Police, based on which an FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway.
    In a lengthy post on X, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the “unprecedented fog” had led to, at times, “zero visibility” and this had forced authorities to shut down operations on the Delhi airport’s runways.

  • PKR sustains positive momentum, gains 0.04% against US dollar in ninth consecutive session

    PKR sustains positive momentum, gains 0.04% against US dollar in ninth consecutive session

    In the inter-bank market, the Pakistani rupee continued its positive trend against the US dollar for the ninth consecutive session on Monday, appreciating by 0.04 per cent to settle at Rs280.24, reflecting a gain of Re0.12, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    During the preceding week, the Pakistani rupee sustained its upward movement, appreciating by Rs1.04 or 0.37 per cent against the US dollar, settling at 280.36 in the inter-bank market.

    This surge in value is attributed to the recent announcement of a staff-level agreement (SLA) between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the first review of the $3 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA). Consequently, the approval of the second tranche of the package ensued.

    The IMF Executive Board completed the first review of the SBA last week, facilitating an immediate disbursement of $700 million.

    As of January 5, the foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan amount to $8.15 billion, with expectations of further augmentation through IMF inflows.

    On the global front, the US dollar experienced a decline on Monday amid renewed anticipations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in March.

    Simultaneously, the Chinese yuan faced challenges, hovering near a one-month low ahead of forthcoming economic data releases.

    The likelihood of a Fed cut in March gained traction following unexpected December data indicating a decline in US producer prices, prompting a slide in US Treasury yields. The US dollar index remained stable at 102.50, exhibiting minimal fluctuations in recent sessions.

    In the realm of oil prices, a significant indicator of currency parity, a slight uptick was observed on Monday. This movement was influenced by concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East, following strikes by US and British forces aimed at preventing Houthi militia in Yemen from attacking ships in the Red Sea.

  • Arisha Razi’s dholki looks like a fabulous affair

    Arisha Razi’s dholki looks like a fabulous affair

    The lovely Arisha Razi Khan has kicked off her festivities for her upcoming wedding. Pictures from the Dholki have taken over social media, where every photo is being gushed about. After posting videos and photos of dance rehearsals on Instagram, the actress has now shared pictures of her dholki.

    Arisha Razi Khan, who started her career as a child star, is positively beaming with joy on the occasion.

    She chose a light green and purple combination dress with traditional floral ornaments and light makeup. Behind her, a sea of marigolds is used in the decor.

    Arisha got nikahfied with Abdullah Farrukh in 2022, creating a buzz on social media.
    Here are a few pictures from the Dholki:

  • ‘Thank you very much’; PTI doesn’t want level playing field from Supreme Court

    ‘Thank you very much’; PTI doesn’t want level playing field from Supreme Court

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially withdrawn its petition from the Supreme Court in which it sought a level playing field in the upcoming general elections.

    The party’s decision was revealed during the hearing on Monday, after counsel Latif Khosa conveyed the PTI’s intention to pursue the matter through what he referred to as the “court of 250 million people.”

    The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and including Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Musarrat Hilali, presided over the hearing.

    During the proceedings, Khosa gave words to PTI’s discontent, claiming that the court had deprived the party of 230 seats through a previous judgment.
    “We do not want to fight this case in your [Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa’s] court. Thank you very much,” said Khosa.

    He highlighted the alleged humiliation faced by the party, citing instances where symbols like glass, eggplant, and a bowl were assigned to PTI candidates.

    CJP Qazi Faez Isa inquired whether the PTI intended to pursue the case, to which Khosa responded that he had been instructed to withdraw the application. “We came to you for a level playing field for fair and transparent elections,” he remarked.

    Chief Justice Isa reminded the PTI that the court had repeatedly sought evidence of intra-party elections, emphasizing that the judges should not be held responsible for the verdict.

    He asserted that the court’s role is to ensure elections are conducted within the confines of the law, and if the PTI disliked the decision, they should consider legislative changes.

    Khosa argued that the court’s decision would undermine democracy and claimed that the PTI was being pushed out of parliamentary politics. He disclosed that the party’s leaders would now participate in elections as independent candidates.
    “You are destroying all the institutions of Pakistan,” the CJP told Khosa.
    Meanwhile, Justice Musarrat Hilali raised reservations over the ECP’s conduct and its handling of matters related to PTI ahead of the polls on February 8.
    “The Election Commission is not fair. It is running behind one party,” she remarked during the hearing, asking whether the electoral body can see any other parties or not. “Does the Election Commission not see other parties?”

    The Supreme Court had previously revoked PTI’s cricket bat symbol, citing irregularities in the party’s internal elections held in the preceding year. The court asserted that the PTI failed to comply with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s directive to conduct intra-party polls in 2021.

  • Ultimatum given to Indian Army by President of Maldives to leave his country

    Ultimatum given to Indian Army by President of Maldives to leave his country

    Amidst the ongoing tension between India and Maldives, Mohammad Muizzu, the President of the latter country, has given an ultimatum to India to withdraw its troops from his country by March 15.

    Muizzu, who recently returned from a visit to China, formally asked India to end its army presence in his territory, Abdallah Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary to the president’s office, said at a press briefing.

    According to the latest government figures, there are 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives. “Indian Military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of the President and that of his administration,” he said.

    The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet responded to the news.

    Relations between India and Maldives have been strained since the formation of the government of the new President in the island nation.

    Three months ago, Mueez raised the slogan “India out” in the election and demanded their withdrawal from Maldives.

    In a departure from tradition, Muizzu chose Turkey and China instead of India for his first visit, stating that his government reiterated its commitment to withdraw the Indian army from the strategically important region of the country.

    Indian troops were deployed at the request of the then government to protect against the threat of insurgency and the Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers. The Indian troops have been stationed in the Maldives since 1988, for non-combat duties including flying, training, and surveillance.

    While foreign policy experts conclude that this change of policy is because of his tilt towards China, the President has declared, “We aren’t in anyone’s backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state”. Without naming any country, he said, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.”

    To read more: Why is Maldives trending on Twitter?

  • Fashion brand Boohoo’s ‘Made in UK’ clothes actually manufactured in South Asia

    Fashion brand Boohoo’s ‘Made in UK’ clothes actually manufactured in South Asia

    UK fashion brand Boohoo has been accused of labelling clothes made in Pakistan and other Asian countries as ‘Made in UK’.

    In a report by BBC, it has been revealed that the retailer brand Boohoo has been found to have mislabelled items of clothing made in South Asia as indigenously manufactured.

    In a Panorama investigation, it was shown that plain T-shirts and hoodies had their original labels removed at Boohoo’s flagship factory in Thurmaston Lane in Leicester, last year.

    Thurmaston Lane opened two years ago and was promoted by the retailer as a UK manufacturing centre of excellence, offering end-to-end garment production in the UK.

    The mislabelling took place at the factory, affecting up to one in 250 of Boohoo’s global supply of garments between January and October 2023.
    The BBC estimates that this could amount to hundreds of thousands of wrongly labelled garments. However, the retailer would not provide precise figures.
    Boohoo claims it was an isolated incident which had happened as “a result of human error”.

    A company spokesperson said, “We have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again.”

    The garments had been shipped from Pakistan and other countries in South Asia to Boohoo’s Leicester factory where they were printed on.

    Boohoo is considering closing its Leicester factory and relocating operations. However, the clothing retailer said plans to shut the site are not related to the findings of the Panorama investigation, adding that due to “significant investments” at its US distribution centres, it must take steps to ensure the brand is a “more efficient, productive and strengthened business”. It also suggested that the incorrect labels were down to a misinterpretation of the labelling rules.