Author: newsdesk

  • Karachi mein kab aur kahan bijli nahi hogi?

    Karachi mein kab aur kahan bijli nahi hogi?

    The K-Electric (KE) on Thursday announced an hours-long power shutdown in parts of Karachi due to forthcoming “critical maintenance activity” at Malir Grid today (Friday).

    According to the official statement, the power distribution company would be undertaking a critical maintenance activity at Malir Grid on December 29.

    The maintenance work will be undertaken to ensure the stability and reliability of the power supply to consumers residing in these areas, the KE spokesperson said.

    As per the schedule, the power supply will remain temporarily suspended from 9am to 6pm for Malir Grid.

    For further guidance, customers may also reach out to KE’s social media platforms or via call centre 118, the company added.

    Following are areas served by the Malir Grid may experience power shutdown during the maintenance work:

    Askari-V Flats, Askari-V Malir Cantt, Model Colony Sheet-5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 Lassi Para, Rana Garden, Alamgir Society Block-A&C, Liaquat Avenue, Gulshan-e-Qamar, Deh-Tapo Memon goth, Block 8 & 8/A till Malir Cantt, Gulistan-e-Johar, Malir H-Area, F.South, Jinnah Square, Aleemabad, Sajan Goth, Sehar Town, Bismillah Town, D-4 Area, D-1, C-Area, S-2, S-1, D-2 Malir Colony, Bout Goth, F.South, G-Area, Ind Area, Jinnah Colony, Jaffer Tyar Malir, Malir Millat Garden, Sahibdad Goth, Abidia Center, Bout Goth, Askari V Bungalows, Malir Cantt. Sector H Bungalows, Model Colony RKV, Sheet # 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16, Jaffer Bagh, Tina Square, Sweet Homeland, Memon Goth Industrial Area, Damlottee Road, Malir Nafees Banglows, F.South, Nafees Town, Jaffer Tyar, Aleemabad C Area, Seher Town, Atiq Town, and Sajan Goth.

    The electricity firm had announced the power shutdown schedule for areas served by Memon Goth-New Landhi Grid and Orangi Town Grid on December 25 and 26 respectively.

  • Which six countries can Pakistani passport holders travel without visa?

    Which six countries can Pakistani passport holders travel without visa?

    The Passport Index report reveals that Pakistani passport holders can travel to six countries without visa.

    Pakistani passport holders are usually required to apply for visas of 151 countries, 36 countries provide on-arrival visas while some facilitate with electronic visa.

    The six countries allowing visa-free travel for Pakistani passport holders include Barbados, a picturesque Caribbean island, where a visa-free stay of up to 90 days is possible. Dominica, another Caribbean island nation, extends a visa-free stay of up to 180 days, offering an extended and hassle-free experience for Pakistani travellers.

    So, what are the eight countries allowing Pakistanuis a visa-free entry?

    1. The Gambia in West Africa allows a visa-free stay for up to 90 days.
    2. The Caribbean island of Haiti too, allows a visa-free stay for up to 90 days.
    3. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island country in the eastern Caribbean, also allows a visa-free stay of up to 90 days.
    4. Micronesia, an island country in the Pacific Ocean, allows visa-free entry with a stay for up to 30 days.
    5. Trinidad and Tobago, a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, requires no visa while duration of stay has been specified.
    6. Vanuatu, an island nation near Australia, allows a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.
  • Househelp set on fire in Lahore passes away

    Househelp set on fire in Lahore passes away

    A female house owner allegedly set a housemaid on fire by sprinkling petrol on her in North Cantt police station limits in Lahore, 24NewsHD TV reported on November 29.

    The housemaid named Shabnam passed away after being hospitalised for 28 days, reported Jang News.

    She was working in the house of a man named Nauman for the past 11 years. Nauman’s wife Shazia, allegedly in a rage, sprinkled petrol on the maid and set her on fire.

    Shabnam, 40, suffered burns on 70 percent of her body and was rushed to Mayo Hospital where her condition was said to be critical.
    The family of the victim submitted an application for registration of a case against Shazia in the North Cantt police station.

  • No nalli in mutton; Groom calls off engagement

    No nalli in mutton; Groom calls off engagement

    A prospective Indian groom and his family have called off the engagement ceremony after finding out that there was no bone marrow in the mutton dish.

    According to Indian media, an engagement ceremony was held at the girl’s residence in Nizamabad, in which various dishes were prepared for the guests, one of which was a dish made with mutton.

    The happy atmosphere of the engagement turned sour really quickly when the boy’s side complained about the lack of bone-marrow in the mutton dish, which the girl’s family also admitted and said that it was missing.

    Consequently, the boy’s family started an argument, leading to the matter reaching the police. It tried to settle the matter between the two families, but the boy’s family canceled the engagement ceremony.

  • Shan Masood equals Imran Khan’s 40-year-old record

    Shan Masood equals Imran Khan’s 40-year-old record

    National team Test captain Shan Masood has equaled former captain and legend player Imran Khan’s 40-year-old record of two consecutive fifties against Australia in both innings of a Test match.

    Masood created the record by scoring half-centuries in two consecutive innings in Australia, scoring 54 runs in the first one and 60 runs in the second one of the second Test match against Australia.

    His performance in both innings marked a milestone, making him the first Pakistani captain since Imran Khan to score half-centuries in both innings of a Test match in Australia.

    In 1983, Imran Khan scored 83 and then an unbeaten 72 runs. In 1964, Hanif Muhammad scored 104 and 93 runs in a single test match against Australia.

  • Winter Vacations likely to be extended in Punjab

    Winter Vacations likely to be extended in Punjab

    Winter vacations in both public and private schools are drawing to a close but the weather is growing increasingly harsh. Media is speculating that a possible 10-day extension in winter break for schools in Punjab is being considered by the government, reports The News.

    Despite the absence of an official decision or announcement from the School Education Department (SED) Punjab regarding an extension in the winter break, a notification issued by the Literacy & Non-Formal Education Department Punjab regarding the winter break for its non-formal educational institutions has started discussions.

    It is important to mention here that the Literacy & Non-Formal Education Department of Punjab adheres to a distinct winter break schedule of its own. The Literacy & Non-Formal Education Department has now notified the winter vacations in all Non-Formal Education Institutions in Punjab from Jan 1, 2024 to Jan 10, 2024.

    Originally, winter break for schools in Punjab commenced on December 18, 2023, and is scheduled to conclude on January 1, 2024. However, as temperature drops and winter conditions intensify, there is a growing debate about the potential extension of the annual winter break which if approved by the government will also be adopted by SED.

  • Australia defeats Pakistan by 79 runs in second Test

    Australia defeats Pakistan by 79 runs in second Test

    Australia defeated Pakistan by 79 runs in the second Test match in Melbourne on Friday.

    Chasing a target of 317 runs set by Australia, the Pakistani team was bowled out for 237 runs in the second innings and the Green Caps lost the match by 79 runs.

    In the second inning, Pakistan did not start well and Abdullah Shafiq was dismissed for four runs while Imam ul Haq also returned to the pavilion with an individual score of 12. The third player to be dismissed was Shan Masood who was dismissed for 60 runs.

    Babar Azam scored 41 runs and was clean bowled by Josh Hazlewood while Saud Shakeel scored 24 runs and was caught out behind the wickets on Starc’s ball. Muhammad Rizwan also scored 35 runs and was dismissed by Pat Cummins while Pat Cummins also dismissed Aamir Jamal for no run.

    Salman Ali Agha played an innings of 50 runs while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza were also dismissed for zero.

    On behalf of Australia, Pat Cummins bowled brilliantly and dismissed five players while Mitchell Starc took four, and Josh Hazlewood dismissed one player.

    Australia has taken a decisive lead in the series with 2-0.

  • Nawaz Sharif receives clean chit to contest elections from NA-15 Mansehra

    Nawaz Sharif receives clean chit to contest elections from NA-15 Mansehra

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif received clearance on Friday to take part in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8, 2024, from the NA-15 (Mansehra-II) constituency, despite objections raised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as per The News.

    Hajra Sami, the Returning Officer (RO), rejected the objections raised by PTI leaders and declared the nomination papers of the former prime minister valid according to the rules of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    “The scrutiny process of the nomination papers of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has been completed, and all objections raised by PTI leader Azam Khan Swati and two others have been set aside, and he has been declared eligible to contest elections from here,” Jahangir Jadoon, the legal advisor to Nawaz Sharif, told reporters outside the RO offices.

    Sami reviewed the concerns raised by PTI senators Azam Khan Swati, Shahid Rafique, and Zakria Tariq in the presence of PML-N and PTI lawyers and leaders. After that, the RO gave clearance to Nawaz Sharif.

    The PTI legal team, headed by Waqar Khan Jehangira and Amir Shah, and the PML-N team, led by Jadoon, presented their arguments for two hours.

    “Nawaz Sharif is disqualified for holding any public office or contesting general elections by the Supreme Court’s five-member bench, so that he is not eligible to run in Feb 8, general elections from NA-15,” PTI’s counsel Waqar Khan Jehangiri told the RO during the proceedings.

  • ‘Necessary support will be extended to Election Commission of Pakistan,’ Corps Commanders’ Conference

    ‘Necessary support will be extended to Election Commission of Pakistan,’ Corps Commanders’ Conference

    General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) presided over the two days long 261st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ on Thursday.
    The forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas including officers and men of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and Citizens who laid their lives for ensuring peace and stability in the country. Participants also offered Fateha for the Shuhadas including those of DI Khan attack.
    Forum reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan against direct and indirect threats.
    Forum expressed serious concern over continued repression and reprehensible human rights violations by Indian military forces in IIOJK. The recent acts of abduction, torture and killing of civilians by the Indian Army were unequivocally condemned by the participants. Such acts constitute grave crimes against humanity and cannot dampen the spirit of the brave Kashmiris who are struggling for their lawful right of self- determination. Pakistan would keep supporting its Kashmiri brethren with all political, moral and diplomatic support for resolution of Kashmir issue according to international law and relevant UNSC resolutions.
    Forum was briefed on prevalent geo-strategic environment, challenges to national security and own strategy in response to evolving threat. The sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP and other groups of that ilk in a neighboring country and availability of latest weapons to the terrorists were noted as serious points of concern impacting security of Pakistan.
    Forum resolved that all terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working on the behest of hostile forces to destablise Pakistan will be dealt with full might of the state.
    The forum expressed full solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemned serious human rights violations and war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza while reiterating Government’s stance of demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.
    Forum reiterated its support for ongoing efforts to promote socioeconomic growth and encouraging foreign investment under the umbrella of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
    Forum also took holistic review of the ongoing actions being taken against smuggling, money laundering, power theft and hoarding of essential items amongst other illegal economic activities. Pakistan Army will continue to provide all out support to relevant government institutions and LEAs to curb such crimes. The Forum also noted that requisite and necessary support will also be extended to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for forthcoming general elections.
    The forum was briefed on operational preparedness of the formations. COAS stressed the need for continuously maintaining operational excellence in cognitive and physical realms and pursuit of high standards of motivation and training.

  • Two pictures from Gaza among Time’s Top 10 Photos of 2023

    Two pictures from Gaza among Time’s Top 10 Photos of 2023

    As 2023 draws to a close, everyone is looking back at the past 12 months one more time before entering a new year. TIME’s magazine has published its Top 10 Photos of 2023 among which two are from Gaza.

    A young girl stuck under her house rubble after it was bombed by Israeli airstrikes, Al Nusairat refugee camp, Oct. 31.Motaz Azaiza
    Palestinian woman Inas Abu Maamar, 36, embraces the body of her 5-year-old niece Saly, who was killed in an Israeli strike, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 17.Mohammed Salem—Reuters

    After years of oppression, on October 7, Hamas took Israel by surprise and penetrated into their territory. Using the incident as an excuse to eradicate Hamas, Israel has been conducting air raids and ground operations in Gaza — which have intensified over the weeks, being categorised as genocide by international experts.

    Residential areas, market places, hospitals, shelters have been completely destroyed and razed. Israel has also blocked aid, resulting in lack of medical supplies, food, and basic everyday necessities, making it more challenging for Palestinians to survive.

    Out of Gaza’s total population of 2.3 million, 1.9 million people have been internally displaced, more than 21,000 killed, and more than 55,000 injured as a result of Israeli atrocities being committed against Palestinians.

    Israeli forces have also been detaining and killing Palestinians residing in the Occupied West Bank.