Author: newsdesk

  • PML-N internal rifts cause delays in ticket announcements

    PML-N internal rifts cause delays in ticket announcements

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates for the upcoming general elections hang in limbo as internal disagreements and seat adjustments cause delays in announcement of final ticket announcements, The News has reported on Monday.

    A source within PML-N told The News that it was expected that the party’s top leadership will award final party tickets on Sunday, however, the announcement got postponed due to seat adjustments with multiple political parties and internal disagreements between PML-N leaders.

    According to sources in the party, the matter of tickets is creating difficulties for aspirants who have yet to start their election campaigns.

    In Lahore, a rift between stalwarts Ayaz Sadiq and Sheikh Rohail Ashgar over party tickets has not been resolved, as both were not ready to give up. Similar is the case at Narowal, where Daniyal Aziz and Ahsan Iqbal are entangled in a rift over tickets for their blue-eyed candidates.

    PML-N leader Rohail Asghar said that he doesn’t know the destiny of the seat, but he enjoyed good relations with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and has no disagreements with party leadership.

  • National team coach Grant Bradburn parts ways with Pakistan cricket

    National team coach Grant Bradburn parts ways with Pakistan cricket

    National cricket team coach Grant Bradburn, who worked with the Pakistan team in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup played in India, has parted ways with Pakistan cricket.

    In a post on ‘X’, Grant Bradburn announced his resignation, stating, “Time to close the amazing chapter that has been Pakistan Cricket. 3 roles over 5 years, I’m proud of what’s been achieved & and grateful to have worked with so many outstanding players, coaches & and staff. Wishing the teams, staff & and everyone at Pakistan Cricket continued success & and growth.”

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s former management appointed Bradburn as the team’s coach for two years in May and he was asked to report to the National Cricket Academy.

    Grand Bradburn will soon take over the coaching of Glamorgan County.

    The former batting coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Andrew Puttick, had also parted ways with the PCB and joined the Afghanistan cricket team without informing the Board.

  • Wasim Akram teaching Aussie commentators to pronounce ‘Fakhar’ is the funniest thing you will see

    Wasim Akram teaching Aussie commentators to pronounce ‘Fakhar’ is the funniest thing you will see

    Former Pakistani fast bowling legend Wasim Akram is known for being one of the wittiest men in international cricket. The great bowler once again reinforced his sense of humour in a video that’s going viral.

    In the video, Akram can be seen teaching his fellow Australian commentators how to pronounce the name “Fakhar” – a word that sounds strikingly similar to THAT English swear word.

    The renowned Pakistani pacer, who was a part of the commentary panel during the recently finished Test series between Australia and Pakistan, shared his witty insights and requested the other commentators to pronounce the word ‘Fakhar’, which resulted in a humorous debate.

    On social media, the conversation’s video has become extremely popular. In the video, Akram says, “There’s another name you guys mess up too, try pronouncing Fakhar.”

    Akram’s request made the other two burst into laughter, clearly showing Aussies’ struggle to pronounce the word correctly. Akram went on to share an incident about his Australian wife. “So Shaniera came to Pakistan and my son’s friend’s name was Fakhar. He brought his 12-year-old friend and he said, ‘This is my friend, Fakhar’. She said, ‘Hang on a minute’. Because Australians can’t pronounce khay in their language, it took her about two years to pronounce his name.”

    Akram and the Australian commentators also discussed the amusing incident where the legendary former batsman Mark Waugh struggled to pronounce the name ‘Fakhar Zaman’ during a show.

    The viral video moment occurred during the third and final Test match in Sydney.

  • Apple resolves iPhone slowdown controversy: Users receive $92.17 settlement

    Apple resolves iPhone slowdown controversy: Users receive $92.17 settlement

    In a resolution to the 2017 controversy surrounding Apple’s deliberate slowing down of iPhones with older batteries, recent reports indicate that affected users are now receiving settlements. 

    According to MacRumors, individuals impacted by this matter are finding deposits of $92.17 in their bank accounts, as confirmed by the website and corroborated by embedded posts from readers. 

    The settlement website, updated in December, indicated that payments were scheduled for this month, effectively bringing closure to the issue.

    The “batterygate” incident originated in 2017 when a developer exposed iOS 10 updates slowing down the performance of older iPhone models like the 6S and 7, with Apple initially withholding the purpose of this slowdown. 

    Subsequently, the company revealed that it aimed to prevent spontaneous shutdowns as the battery degraded. 

    This led to multiple class action lawsuits, alleging that Apple’s actions forced premature phone upgrades rather than allowing users to replace their batteries.

    In 2020, Apple reached a settlement, and by August of that year, legal hurdles were cleared, paving the way for impending payouts. 

    While initially expected to be around $65 for approved claims filed by October 6th, 2020, recent reports suggest the actual payments are higher, averaging $92.17, as reported by The Verge. 

    Noteworthy is the inclusion of the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and the original iPhone SE in the list of affected models. If you fall into this category, monitor your bank account for the settlement deposit.

  • Can’t access your social media? Services are down all over Pakistan

    Can’t access your social media? Services are down all over Pakistan

    Social media platforms are down across Pakistan. Millions of users suffered due to the sudden shutdown of services of social media platforms across the country.

    For the past few hours, users have been facing trouble accessing social networking sites Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. YouTube’s service is also extremely slow.

    Users are unable to access social media platforms Facebook, X, Instagram, and video-sharing site YouTube due to the shutdown. Apart from this, users are also facing difficulties in accessing other websites due to slow internet speed.

    It should be remembered that on December 17, 2023, social media networks and internet services were down in different cities of the country.

  • Here is an update on Naseem Shah’s fitness

    Here is an update on Naseem Shah’s fitness

    Islamabad United released a fitness report on their latest acquisition, right-arm fast bowler Naseem Shah, who joined the Islamabad team after being part of Quetta Gladiators.

    The franchise shared on its social media platform that Naseem Shah is bowling regularly in the nets and his recovery is going well.

    Last month, Pakistan chief selector Wahab Riaz expressed hope that Naseem would be fit and ready to represent Islamabad United by the time the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 begins on February 17.

    According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reluctant to allow Naseem’s inclusion in the entire PSL season after his return from injury.

  • India’s Ambani no more the richest man in Asia. Who has grabbed the title?

    India’s Ambani no more the richest man in Asia. Who has grabbed the title?

    India’s Mukesh Ambani lost the title of Asia’s richest man after almost a year. He has been replaced by Gautam Adani who once again became Asia’s richest man after cracking a deal worth over half a billion dollars for the Adani group.

    It should be noted that in January 2023, American short-selling company Hindenburg said in a report that Adani Group has been involved in stock market manipulation and fraud accounting for decades. It called Gautam Adani the biggest fraudster in corporate history.

    Gautam Adani’s wealth declined after the report, pushing him to the bottom of the list of the world’s richest people in 2023, while Mukesh Ambani took the title of Asia’s richest person.

    But in recent days, the Supreme Court of India has issued an order that there is no need for a new investigation on Hindenburg’s allegations. Gautam Adani’s assets consequently increased and now he has once again become the richest man in Asia.

    According to a Bloomberg report on January 4, Gautam Adani’s net worth increased by $7.7 billion to $97.6 billion, after which he overtook Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s richest man. Ambani currently owns $97 billion.

    Gautam Adani started 2023 as the third richest person in the world with $119 billion and then went down after a steady decline in wealth. Now, a year later, he has become the richest person in Asia and the 12th richest person in the world.

    Syed Mohammad Ali wrote in an article for The Express Tribune that the deal with the USA is part of the greater scheme of countering China’s growing influence in the region. Half a billion dollars is a sign of the restoration of confidence for the Adani conglomerate-backed Colombo seaport project in Sri Lanka.

    “This American deal with Adani seems compelled by growing great power competition across South Asia. The US government intends to use its International Development Finance Corporation to counter the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative in the Indo-Pacific, and its investment in Sri Lanka is part of that plan,” asserts Ali.
    Adani is closely linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he has long been accused of benefitting from this friendship for the growth of his business. Like Modi, Adani has emerged unscathed from a potentially devastating storm of alleged wrongdoings. And both these men have the US to thank for helping them not only survive but thrive, due to America’s own vested interests, Ali explains.

  • Pakistan welcomes PayPal through strategic alliance

    Pakistan welcomes PayPal through strategic alliance

    In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan’s burgeoning freelance community, PayPal is set to establish its presence in the country through a strategic partnership with an existing international payment gateway.

    The joint venture announcement is anticipated for next week, marking a significant milestone for the approximately 1.5 million freelancers and IT professionals in Pakistan, making it the fourth-largest community globally.

    Caretaker Minister for IT and Telecom, Dr Umar Saif, confirmed that PayPal would operate indirectly in Pakistan through this collaboration. This development follows persistent efforts by previous governments to convince PayPal to operate within the country, which initially faced resistance citing security concerns.

    Dr Saif emphasised the positive impact of this move on IT exports and freelancer remittances, underscoring recent measures supporting a more liberal financial regime. He revealed that IT exports have already experienced a notable surge, with a 13 per cent increase in November alone, and expressed confidence that this growth trajectory will continue.

    The IT Ministry, under Dr Saif’s leadership, has implemented various initiatives to bolster the IT sector. These include providing smartphones through installment plans, standardising quality tests for IT graduates, and approving the National Space Policy. Dr Saif expressed optimism about launching 5G services in Pakistan by July 2024, with a spectrum auction offering 300 MHz.

    The government aims to boost IT exports from the current $2.6 billion to approximately $5 billion by facilitating a more liberal financial regime. As part of this effort, IT companies can now retain 50 per cent of their export revenue in dollars in a local account, simplifying international payments.

    In addition to these measures, the government plans to launch 10,000 e-Rozgar centres across the country, providing facilities for freelancers and start-ups. The recently approved National Space Policy allows companies to utilise low-orbit satellites for communication services, further enhancing the technological landscape in Pakistan.

    The upcoming joint venture between PayPal and an international payment gateway is expected to usher in a new era of financial opportunities for Pakistan’s freelancers and IT professionals, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth and global standing in the IT sector.

  • Gold prices in Pakistan wrap up first week of 2024 on a decline

    Gold prices in Pakistan wrap up first week of 2024 on a decline

    The gold prices in Pakistan concluded the initial week of 2024 on a downward trajectory, witnessing a notable drop in the value of 24-karat gold.

    According to reports from the Karachi Sarafa Association, the price of 24-karat gold plummeted by Rs2,000 per tola, settling at Rs218,000.

    Contrary to this trend, the association noted that 24-karat gold experienced a gain of Rs1,000 per tola in today’s trading session, offering a glimmer of positivity in an otherwise challenging week.

    The closing figures for the last trading session revealed that 10-gramme 24-karat gold reached Rs186,900, showcasing an increase of Rs857.

    Similarly, the price of 10-gramme 22-karat gold stood at Rs171,325, marking a rise of Rs786.

    Investors in the domestic bullion market enjoyed substantial returns in 2023, with the yellow metal delivering an impressive 19.63% yield for the year.

    The concluding price of 24-karat gold in 2023 stood at Rs220,000 per tola, a notable surge compared to Rs183,900 per tola in the same period last year (SPLY).

    Adding to the dynamics of the market, the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) extended its winning streak, appreciating by an additional 46 paisa against the US dollar.

     This marks the eighth consecutive appreciation for the Pakistani rupee, driven by positive market sentiments.

    Analysts attribute this positive trend to the anticipation of the approval of the second loan tranche worth $700 million by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Pakistan’s inclusion in the IMF’s meeting agenda for January 11, 2024, has heightened expectations of economic support.

    It’s essential to recognise the intricate relationship between domestic gold prices and the local currency.

    As gold is denominated in US dollars, any appreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the greenback tends to result in a decline in the value of gold.

    In conclusion, the first week of 2024 has been a mixed bag for the gold market in Pakistan, with fluctuating prices and external factors influencing the dynamics.

    Investors are likely to keep a close eye on both international economic developments and local market conditions as they navigate the complexities of the gold trade.

  • Talk TV presenter Julia lambasted for racist interview with Palestinian MP

    Talk TV presenter Julia lambasted for racist interview with Palestinian MP

    British radio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer has been slammed on social media for an unprofessional and racist interview after a clip from her show went viral.

    During an interview on Wednesday with Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, leader of the Palestinian National Initiative, Hartley-Brewer raised her voice while he was speaking to say he was “not used to women talking” and disrespectfully spoke to him throughout the interview.

    While Julia’s tone was aggressive and harsh, Dr Barghouti kept his tone calm and listened to her patiently, winning over the hearts of netizens with his courtesy.

    In the clip, Julia can be seen aggressively counter-arguing, not letting him speak, and using the rhetoric of telling Muslim men that they are not used to hearing women.

    Barghouti was interrupted several times by the journalist, who prevented him from finishing his remarks on Benjamin Netanyahu and the moral imperative of supporting Palestinians’ struggle for a dignified life in their homeland.

    “Please don’t say that again, we don’t have time for that, you’ve made that point five times already,” she said in one instance.

    When Barghouti attempted to respond, she screamed, saying: “For the love of god, let me finish a sentence man.”

    She then made a sexist accusation: “Maybe you’re not used to women talking, I don’t know, but I’d like to finish the sentence!”

    Barghouti remained calm during the interview while stressing that the journalist has been attempting to “mislead the public.”

    In response, the presenter raised her voice again: ‘If you don’t think Israel’s reaction is acceptable, what would have been an acceptable reaction to you? You’ve got ten seconds left.”

    The Palestinian politician then replied calmly, calling for ending the occupation and oppression of Palestinians to allow peace to prevail for both people.
    Seemingly unsatisfied with the reply, the presenter sarcastically responded: “Brilliant.”

    Hartley-Brewer’s haughty attitude throughout the interview has been heavily criticized, with many pointing out that the show was a display of Islamophobia.

    Social media user Nadene commented that Julia is an utter disgrace in this interview, showcasing Islamophobic tropes 101.

    Another pointed out that she is using imagined sexism to hide her racism.

    Dima Khatib wrote, “Journalism is committing suicide after this interview.”

    Sana Saeed posted, “What an absolutely disgusting, racist display of whatever “journalism” this is supposed to be.”

    Bisan poured her heart out and said that after this I have discovered that Western media is a lie.

    Maryam Alkhawaja lamented that not only are Palestinians being subjected to a genocide, they also have to put up with being dehumanized and insulted.