The Lahore High Court has directed the Water And Sanitation Agency (WASA) to use stored canal and ablution water for sprinkling the roads to combat dust, reports Geo.
Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court heard petitions for remedying smog, in which federal government’s lawyer Asad Bajwa. appeared in the court.
During the hearing, the court said that in light of the commission’s report, WAPDA should take immediate action against the industries, the stored water of the canal, and ablutions should be used for sprinkling the roads. If not, WASA will be responsible for violating the court orders. The court said that keep things simple and not make things difficult, set new resolutions and targets for the new year, in the new year we have to commit to keeping the environment of the world clean.
Pictures open a window into the past, document the present, and predict the future.
Here we present to you some of the most iconic clicks of the year 2023, providing us a chance to have a glimpse into legendary moments captured by the lens of AFP photographers.
This underwater picture shows a surfer riding a wave at Teahupo’o in Tahiti, French Polynesia on August 11, 2023, during the WSL Shiseido Tahiti pro surfing event.Teahupo’o will host the surfing event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
This Photo was clicked by Ben Thouard / AFP.
US’ Simone Biles competes on the Balance Beam in the Women’s Team Final during the 52nd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, in Antwerp, northern Belgium, on October 4, 2023.
This photo was clicked by Lionel Bonaventure / AFP.
SpaceX’s Starship rocket launches from Starbase during its second test flight in Boca Chica, Texas, on November 18, 2023. SpaceX on November 18, 2023, carried out the second test launch of Starship, the largest rocket ever built that Elon Musk hopes will one day colonize Mars, while NASA awaits a modified version to land humans on the Moon. It comes after a first attempt to fly the spaceship in its fully-stacked configuration back in April ended in a spectacular explosion over the Gulf of Mexico.
This photo was clicked by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP.
This handout image provided courtesy of Josh Lease on September 3, 2023, shows a rainbow over flooding on a desert plain on September 1, 2023, after heavy rains turned the annual Burning Man festival site in Nevada’s Black Rock desert into a mud pit. Tens of thousands of drenched festivalgoers were stranded on September 3, 2023, in deep, sticky mud in the Nevada desert after torrential rain turned the annual Burning Man gathering into a quagmire. All events at the counterculture festival, which drew some 70,000 people, were canceled after rain tore down structures for dance parties, art installations, and other eclectic entertainment.
This photo was taken by Josh Lease / UGC / AFP.
Humanoid AI robot “Ameca” looks on at the booth of Engineered Arts company during the world’s largest gathering of humanoid AI Robots as part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, on July 5, 2023. The United Nations is convening this week a global gathering to try to map out the frontiers of artificial intelligence and to harness its potential for empowering humanity, hoping to lay out a clear blueprint on the way forward for handling AI, as development of the technology races ahead the capacity to set its boundaries.
This photo was taken by Fabrice Coffrini / AFP.
Muslims pray at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on April 17, 2023, during Laylat al-Qadr, one of the holiest nights during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
This photo was taken by Karim SAHIB / AFP.
This photo taken on December 2, 2023, shows pandas eating inside their enclosure at a zoo in China’s southwestern Chongqing municipality.
A person from Mumbai has complained to the local police about Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, claiming that he and his family offended religious feelings in a popular video of their Christmas celebration.
The complaint alleges that the star violated religious sentiments in a viral video showing the family celebrating Christmas. In the video, the Kapoor family poured liquor on a cake before setting it on fire, with Ranbir uttering “Jai Mata Di.”
The complaint alleges that the star violated religious sentiments in a viral video showing the family celebrating Christmas. In the video, the Kapoor family poured liquor on a cake before setting it on fire, with Ranbir uttering “Jai Mata Di.”
According to reports, the complainant claims that using intoxicants and chanting religious slogans from another faith during the celebration was disrespectful. The complainant states that in Hinduism, the fire god is invoked before other deities. As of now, no FIR has been registered in the case. The video, captured during the Kapoor family’s annual Christmas lunch, gained significant attention on the internet.
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt introduced their infant daughter Raha to the paparazzi during the same event. The couple posed for photographs with their little one upon arriving for the family gathering.
Pakistani rupee demonstrated a slight appreciation against the US dollar for the 13th consecutive session, marking a gain of 0.02 per cent in the inter-bank market on Friday.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the day concluded with the rupee settling at Rs281.86, reflecting an increase of Rs0.07.
Remarkably, this signifies a closure of 2023 with the rupee undergoing a depreciation of 19.7 per cent, originating from its starting point at Rs226.43 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market at the beginning of the year.
Notably, on the preceding Thursday, the rupee experienced a marginal upturn, settling at Rs281.93 against the US dollar.
A significant development unfolded as the foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan observed a substantial weekly upswing, surging by $852 million to reach $7.75 billion as of December 22, according to data released on Thursday.
The overall liquid foreign reserves for the country tallied at $12.85 billion, with commercial banks holding net foreign reserves amounting to $5.1 billion. The SBP attributed this surge in reserves to official government inflows.
On the global stage, the US dollar appeared poised to conclude 2023 with a loss, reversing a two-year trend of gains. This shift was influenced by market expectations that the US Federal Reserve might initiate rate easing as early as March of the following year.
The greenback remained generally subdued on the last trading day of the year, hovering near a five-month low against a basket of currencies, falling 0.02 per cent to 101.18, following a recent dip to 100.61.
This trend underscored the impact of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate-hike cycle initiated in early 2022 on the dollar’s trajectory over the past two years.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif announced plans to take part in the upcoming general elections from Karachi’s NA-242 constituencies, Geo News reported on Friday.
In the last general elections, Shehbaz Sharif contested from NA-249 constituency of Karachi, but former Pakistan Thereek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda defeated him by a slim margin.
However, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) announced on December 23 that no agreement had been reached for seat adjustments with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding the NA-242 constituency in the Kemari district.
The party’s representative dismissed all claims about a seat arrangement with the Shehbaz Sharif-led party.
The spokesperson added that MQM-P Senior Deputy Convenor Mustafa Kamal is the party’s candidate for the seat.
Shehbaz Sharif said while addressing a press conference in Karachi that PML-N will resolve the issue of transport in Karachi after winning the election on February 8 next year.
On Friday, the gold market in Pakistan halted its previous upward trend, experiencing a decline in tandem with the global decrease in gold prices.
As reported by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price per tola of gold was adjusted to Rs220,900, reflecting a one-day decrease of Rs1,900.
The 10-gramme gold rate also saw a reduction, reaching Rs189,386 after a decrease of Rs1,629.
Contrary to Thursday’s surge of Rs 2,200 per tola, the international gold rate exhibited a setback, settling at $2,090 per ounce on Friday with a $20 premium. This decline of $15 in the global market was noted by the APGJSA.
In the same period, silver rates remained unchanged at Rs2,680 per tola in the local market.
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has revoked the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, prohibiting them from hosting a fundraising event at a local hotel in Islamabad.
The event, scheduled for Friday, aimed to gather support for the construction of a cancer facility in Karachi.
Another low!
NOC for fundraiser of Shaukat Khanum Hospital was cancelled by Islamabad administration just a day before the event. This was to raise funds for the treatment of cancer patients. pic.twitter.com/hy8LEJRFFX
The NOC, initially issued by the district administration, was withdrawn without providing any reasons for the sudden decision.
The fundraising gala dinner, featuring a musical concert, was intended to generate funds for the development of the largest cancer treatment facility in the country.
Despite efforts by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Faisal Sultan and other officials to secure permission, their attempts proved unsuccessful.
The Shaukat Khanum Hospital official emphasized that the fundraising initiative was non-political and solely aimed at charitable purposes.
Despite efforts to seek clarity on the reasons behind the NOC cancellation, the hospital administration formally announced the cancellation of the fundraising gala dinner late on Thursday.
They cited “unavoidable reasons” for the cancellation and assured that a new date for the event would be announced soon.
Social Media users started a trend on X (former Twitter) “Shaukat Khanum” and started urging people to donate online.
“I’ve just made a donation to SKMH. I request all Pakistanis to do the same, even if it’s just a few Rupees. Let’s raise more money than the fundraising event canceled or refused for Shaukat Khanum. Save this hospital. Kindly share the screenshots.”
I’ve just made a donation to SKMH. I request all Pakistanis to do the same, even if it’s just a few Rupees. Let’s raise more money than the fundraising event canceled or refused for Shaukat Khanum. Save this hospital. Kindly share the screenshots. pic.twitter.com/qw71C26NHm
“#SMS 7770 Strong reaction to the cancellation of the permission of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Karachi,s Fundraising event by the caretaker government. Now social media users launched a compaign to send SMS to 7770.”
#SMS 7770 Strong reaction to the cancellation of the permission of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Karachi,s Fundraising event by the caretaker government. Now social media users launched a compaign to send SMS to 7770.@TeamiPianspic.twitter.com/NlOCSU8YRu
Tere Bin has gained immense popularity, winning the hearts of millions worldwide. Its engaging storyline and outstanding performances have made a lasting impact on audiences, creating a remarkable presence in the entertainment landscape. As the highly popular drama nears its conclusion, fans are preparing to bid a bittersweet farewell to the beloved characters of Murtasim and Meerab.
To celebrate anniversary of Tere Bin season one, the star of the show Wahaj Ali. took to Instagram and announced,
Alhamdulillah the most awaited announcement of the year is finally here… Your all time favourite couple Yumna Zaidi & Wahaj Ali the one & only #Yumhaj with their unmatched on-screen chemistry are back with a bang in Tere Bin Season 2…
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has labeled the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) recent decision about the iconic bat symbol of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as “pre-poll rigging”.
Last week, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) nullified PTI’s internal elections and revoked their bat symbol. However, on Tuesday, the PHC suspended the ECP’s declaration, prompting strong reactions from PML-N leaders.
“Keeping in view the urgency, that a political party has been denuded of its symbol, meaning hearby that aspirants from the general public who were willing to vote for the petitioners’ party were divested of their right to vote as per their choice,” Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel ruled.
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing an event in Karachi on Thursday, called the PHC’s order “an attack” on the election commission’s authority.
“How can the Peshawar High Court give an order that affects Pakistan? There are candidates, who are in some way, related to the judge. I believe that the judge should have recused himself from the bench based on his relationship,” he said.
الیکشن کمیشن نے پی ٹی ائی کے انٹرا پارٹی الیکشن میں بے ضابطگیوں اور دھاندلیوں کے خلاف ایک حقیقت پر مبنی فیصلہ دیا تھا اور اب پشاور ہائی کورٹ کا جو فیصلہ آیا ہے وہ الیکشن کمیشن کے اختیار پر حملے کے مترادف ہے۔ 2018 کے الیکشن میں آر ٹی ایس نے ان پارٹیز کا مینڈیٹ چھینا تھا جس میں…
The scales of justice, the former prime minister said, were being titled for a “ladla” (blue-eyed boy). “The kind of decisions that are being issued are concerning for us. We expect justice from the judiciary.”
Reacting to the PHC verdict, PML-N senior leader Rana Sanaullah accused the court of engaging in “pre-poll rigging and attack on the ECP,” asserting that the ruling violated the Election Act 2017. Sanaullah claimed that the judge’s cousin, a PTI candidate, influenced the decision.
پشاور HC کے سنگل بینچ کا فیصلہ الیکشن ایکٹ 2017 کی خلاف ورزی ہے، جج صاحب کے کزن PTI کے ٹکٹ پہ الیکشن لڑ رہے ہیں اس لئے یہ فیصلہ ہی آنا تھا۔ جج صاحب قانون اور انصاف پہ چلتے تو یہ کیس ہی نہ سنتے۔ مفادات کا ٹکراؤ ہوتے ہوئے بھی جج صاحب نے کیس سنا اور کزنز کی جماعت کو ریلیف دیا۔
PML-N Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz condemned the PHC ruling, describing it as an attack on the constitutional powers of the ECP.
“The [PHC] judge gave relief to his cousin’s party.” In her statement, PML-N Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz blasted the PHC ruling and termed the single bench verdict tantamount to an attack on the ECP’s constitutional powers. “Fake and fraudulent intra-party elections [of PTI] have been declared ‘halal’. The ruling is the victory of the selection but not the election.” Firing a fresh salvo at the incarcerated PTI founder, Maryam, who is also the party’s chief organiser, said: “Those who seek a level-playing field are not ready to give the same to anybody within their party.”
Reacting to the PHC ruling, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman told journalists in Islamabad that an atmosphere of “judicial martial law” was created in the country.
In a separate development, the ECP filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the PHC’s ruling on the appointment of a returning officer for a provincial assembly constituency. The ECP questioned whether the high court’s order interfered with its constitutional and statutory duties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the election process.
The PHC’s decision to suspend the appointment of a returning officer has sparked legal challenges, with the ECP urging the Supreme Court to set aside the order for the sake of justice and the electoral process.
Rakhi Sawant is not going to let people’s opinions stop her from leading her best life.
The Bollywood actress has said that she will keep getting married until she finds the right life partner.
The Indian dancer who performed Umrah a few months ago, has gone to court to divorce businessman Adil Khan Durrani. In an interview she said that she wants the marriage ended as soon as possible so that she can get married again.
A clip from the interview has gone viral on social media. “I hopes the court will give me back my money and also a divorce so that I can marry a good guy again in the future and live my life in peace.”
Rakhi expressed her intention to marry again and again, stating, “I will stay married until I die until I find the right life partner, till then I will continue to love because this is my life, I have only one life.”
She continued, “If you go to Hollywood, you’ll see people marrying multiple times, numerous boyfriends, and relationships, and it doesn’t matter there. All the boundaries are only in India.” At the beginning of this year, news came out that Rakhi Sawant has married Adil Khan Durrani after accepting Islam last year. Adil denied the marriage, then went silent before finally admitting to the marriage. However, with the death of Rakhi’s mother, the news of problems in her marriage began to circulate. Rakhi approached the court for divorce citing Adil Khan’s affairs, physical violence, indecent videos and disputes over money.
