Author: newsdesk

  • NEPRA exposes overbilling scandal impacting thousands of electricity consumers 

    NEPRA exposes overbilling scandal impacting thousands of electricity consumers 

    An investigative report by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) unveiled a disconcerting situation in Pakistan, affecting thousands of electricity consumers during the months of July and August this year.  

    The report disclosed that distribution companies (Discos) had billed consumers for over 40 days, a major contributor to the issue of overbilling in the mentioned months. Notably, MEPCO, followed by GEPCO, FESCO, LESCO, and HESCO, were identified as the Discos significantly involved in this overbilling, implicating all Discos collectively in this unjustified practice. 

    As a response to these findings, NEPRA recommended initiating legal proceedings against the power distribution companies, including K-Electric Limited (KEL), under NEPRA Fine Regulations, 2021. The basis for these actions lies in the violation of the provisions outlined in the NEPRA Act, Consumer Service Manual (CSM), and tariff terms and conditions. 

    Expressing concern, NEPRA emphasised the unfortunate deliberate malpractices by distribution companies undertaken to conceal their inefficiencies. These practices resulted in higher electricity bills for thousands of consumers.  

    The report highlighted the failure of Discos to adhere to the percentage checking mechanism outlined in the Consumer Service Manual (CSM), along with the unauthorised charging of detection bills, contravening Clauses 9.1 and 9.2 of the CSM, which provide a specific procedure for charging detection bills. 

    NEPRA noted with concern that detection bills charged by Discos were found to be fake and frivolous, contributing to a significantly low recovery ratio in certain Discos.  

    The authority initiated an inquiry in response to widespread complaints from consumers across the country regarding excessive, inflated, and erroneous bills during July and August 2023. A hearing was conducted on November 13, 2023, wherein CEOs of all distribution companies participated online, presenting their perspectives. 

    During the proceedings, it was observed that numerous distribution companies were charging metre readings, with discrepancies between snap readings and the readings recorded on consumers’ bills. 

    Additionally, some cases were identified where snaps of metre readings were either invisible or intentionally not taken. Monthly metre readings were reported to be taken beyond the standard billing cycle of 30 days in certain instances, leading to undue and inflated charging of upper slab bills for less frequent users and a consequent change in category from protected to unprotected. 

     

  • GTA 6 trailer release date finally revealed after two years of speculation 

    GTA 6 trailer release date finally revealed after two years of speculation 

    After almost two years of anticipation and speculation, Rockstar Games has finally unveiled a major gaming announcement that could arguably be the most significant of the year. The release date for Grand Theft Auto 6, also known as GTA 6, has been revealed in a highly anticipated trailer. 

    For the first time since leaks emerged in 2022, fans will now get the chance to delve into the details of the upcoming GTA edition. Previous leaks offered glimpses into the game’s development and introduced some new features Rockstar was experimenting with. However, given the substantial amount of time that has passed, it’s expected that many aspects of the game have evolved. 

    The revelation about the release date came from Rockstar Games’ official X account, which shared an image featuring a pink and orange sky adorned with palm trees, reminiscent of the Vice City aesthetic. The accompanying text on the image reads, “Trailer 1. Tuesday, December 5. 9 AM ET,” indicating the probable date and time for the release of the GTA 6 trailer. For viewers in India, the trailer is scheduled to be released at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. 

    According to HT Tech, the announcement has brought immense joy to fans worldwide, becoming one of the most popular posts by Rockstar Games on X, accumulating 1.5 million likes and 421,000 retweets, along with 58,000 comments. 

    In a November post on the Rockstar Newswire, the publishers disclosed their decision to release the trailer for the forthcoming GTA game in early December. They expressed their excitement, stating, “We are very excited to let you know that in early December, we will release the first trailer for the next Grand Theft Auto.” 

    The post also conveyed gratitude to players worldwide for their incredible support, emphasising that the opportunity to create games they are truly passionate about wouldn’t be possible without the fans. They thanked everyone for sharing the journey with them. 

  • Awaam ka paisa artificial rain mein zaaya karne ki ijazat nahi dein ge, says Lahore High Court

    Awaam ka paisa artificial rain mein zaaya karne ki ijazat nahi dein ge, says Lahore High Court

    In today’s review of smog prevention in Lahore, Justice Shahid Kareem ordered that smoke-emitting factories be fined Rs10 lac each. Along with that he also warned the Punjab Government to not waste public money on any useless pursuit like artificial rain.

    The Director General Meteorological Department was present in the court to inform the judge that some of the sealed factories had opened themselves. Member water commission informed the court that such factories are working at night and the officers of the meteorological department are paid to stay silent on this. This prompted the court to issue a warning against these officers, reports Geo.

    The court ordered to fine domestic users Rs10,000 for wasting water and Rs20,000 thousand to commercial users for the same.

    The court also inquired about artificial rain and when it will materialize. The public prosecutor replied that the process is underway. The court admonished the government that public money should not get wasted in this pursuit.

    The court adjourned the hearing till December 8.

    As Lahore battles with hazardous levels of smog, Punjab has been planning artificial rain to dispel toxic pollution. The Punjab government has planned to carry out cloud seeding in Lahore to cause artificial rain, estimated to cost a whopping Rs 350 million. This was expected to happen in December.

  • Nine beggars offloaded from Umrah flight

    Nine beggars offloaded from Umrah flight

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested nine alleged beggars at Multan International Airport who were all set to travel to Saudi Arabia under the guise of Umrah pilgrims.

    There were six men and three women in the group that was arrested. Authorities were able to figure out their intentions as they were unable to produce evidence of hotel reservations or other legitimate purposes for their visit to Saudi Arabia.

    As they were subjected to scrutiny, the nine people admitted to engaging in begging activities during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

    Subsequently, they were taken into custody by the anti-human trafficking unit for further investigation.

    The operation marks the latest in a series of efforts by the FIA to stop begging rings that exploit individuals seeking to perform Umrah in Makkah. Earlier in October, FIA aimed at blacklisting people who malign the name of the country.

    Previously, a report was submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis about a shocking percentage of professional beggars who were arrested in the Middle East, 90 per cent of whom are Pakistanis.

  • Why flaunt class by inviting privileged women on a live show to get pedicures?

    Why flaunt class by inviting privileged women on a live show to get pedicures?

    Once again, Pakistani television shows fail to understand how elitism in their content disconnects them from their audiences.

    Nida Yasir has time and time again been called out by the internet for using her show ‘Good Morning Pakistan’ to promote misogynist, sexist content and giving platforms to abusers, but her recent episode has sparked outrage for mocking salon workers. This morning’s episode featured the host along side five other public figures including television presenter Nadia Khan, who were invited for an hour-long pedicure while they all talked about completely random things.

    In the beginning of the episode, Nida Yasir said the purpose of this segment was to invite her friends, and in a way encourage every woman out there to take some time out for themselves. But through out the episode, we can see that it is only elite women who share Nina’s stature and can afford to find the time to get pampered and massaged, but working class women like salon workers are forced to work for long hours without any regard for their mental health. Because by the end of the day, it is these women who need to make a living and cannot afford to take time off from their jobs, even if it means being forced to sit in uncomfortable positions to massage the feet of elite women for an hour and a half.

    During this one hour and 30 minute painful watch, Nida Yasir and her friends gloat about their love for saris, their foreign trips, their beauty tips, while the women toiling away at their feet cannot afford such luxuries

    .We have to ask what was the purpose of this show? Is Nida Yasir aware that most women who are fans of her show aren’t able to afford luxuries like finding time to party with their friends, while ignoring all of their household responsibilities, considering most of them can relate to the struggles of the salon workers.

    Nida Yasir could have interviewed salon workers and asked them about finding time to pamper themselves, but instead she chose to mock them, and other working class women in such a demeaning manner.

    Twitter Tamkenat began the conversation by slamming the episode. Taking to her Twitter account, the content creator wrote:

    “Morning show on ARY digital right now, where elite privileged women are getting live pedicures on tv, while discussing how disgusted they were by their body hair as teenagers.”

    Soon this led to others to criticise the morning show host and ARY for thinking such content is acceptable.

  • Buy online Biryani, get ‘Chipkali’ free

    Buy online Biryani, get ‘Chipkali’ free

    An Indian Hyderabad family recently experienced a horrifying dining ordeal that can send shivers down anyone’s spine at the mere thought of accidentally eating a reptile.

    Their Zomato-ordered chicken biryani from Bawarchi Biryani, located at the RTC Crossroads, came with an unexpected and unwelcome addition—a dead lizard.

    The disturbing incident unfolded as a self-indulgent treat turning into a cause for concern, with a lifeless lizard discovered in the online-ordered chicken biryani. The shocking scenes, captured in a video, have since surfaced on the internet, leaving viewers in disbelief.

    Reportedly, Vishwa Aditya from DD Colony, Amberpet, placed an online order for chicken biryani on Zomato. However, upon receiving the parcel, they were greeted with the unpleasant sight of a dead lizard nestled amidst the rice.

    The matter gained attention after Telugu Scribe posted a video and images on X (former ) Twitter, exposing the unsettling incident.

    The tweet stated, “Live Lizard in Chicken Biryani at Loni Bavarchi Hotel Hyderabad RTC Cross Road. Vishwa Aditya from DD Colony, Amberpet ordered chicken biryani online on Zomato. The family members allege that the chicken biryani brought by Zomato Boy got a lizard. The family members got worried as the Bavarchi management gave a negligent reply.”

    Zomato reacted to the video with, ‘We are looking into it immediately – if you would like to share any additional details with us, please reach out via DM.’

  • Babar Azam mingles with fans in viral video

    Babar Azam mingles with fans in viral video

    Babar Azam took time out especially for fans gathered outside the stadium at which the Pakistan team was practicing for its tour of Australia.

    A video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is rapidly going viral on social media, in which Babar Azam can be seen standing next to the stadium’s barrier and giving autographs to the people outside. He autographed a bat for one fan, signed a shirt for another one, and also took a picture with a child on his request.

    The official series between the national team and Australia will start on December 14

  • 1.8 million Palestinians internally displaced, have no where to escape

    1.8 million Palestinians internally displaced, have no where to escape

    With about 1.8 million Palestinians already displaced across Gaza, the Israeli military has now called to evacuate areas in Khan Younis.

    On October 13th, Israel directed one million Gazans in the north to move south. But now, the internally displaced as well as the local residents have been asked to evacuate the south with no place to escape to for protection.

    Israeli air raids have been targeting refugee camps and residential buildings, having killed more than 15,500 people and injuring more than 41,300 since October 7.

  • ‘Nawaz Sharif responsible for May 9 riots,’ Imran Khan

    ‘Nawaz Sharif responsible for May 9 riots,’ Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently under arrest, has said that he will ask the court to summon General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former Army Chief, in connection with the cipher case. Imran Khan shared this information during an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail.

    Imran Khan explained the circumstances of his arrest, stating that it was all part of London’s plan. He drew a parallel with Nawaz Sharif, stating that after the London plan, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. He further claimed that Nawaz Sharif is responsible for 9 May incidents.

    Journalist Azaz Syed posted in a tweet that, “Imran Khan while talking to reporters in the jail (during the jail trial) said that I will summon Gen Bajwa to the court , he (Bajwa) did all on the directions of Donald Lu , I will also bring US Embassy officials and Gen Bajwa in doc (as witness).He said that Donald Lu took the cypher to Gen Bajwa, it was meant for Bajwa. “They wanted to remove me. They are trying to do with me what they did with Sheikh Mujib,” Imran reportedly said. He added that he can give in writing that his party will win the elections.

    Imran Khan, also the former Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleged that General Bajwa had acted on the instructions of US diplomat Donald Lu, asserting that he would ensure that General Bajwa faced the court for his actions.

    Responding to a question, Imran Khan emphasized that he had not engaged in any negotiations for a deal, declaring his readiness to submit a written statement affirming that PTI would emerge victorious in the elections.

    He further stated that he has faced no difficulties in jail and considers incarceration a form of worship.

    In response to queries about PTI leaders leaving the party, Imran Khan expressed gratitude for those departing, considering it a positive development.

    It’s important to note that a special court, established under the Secret Act, has set December 12 as the date to formally charge Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the Safdar case. The case involves the alleged altercation with law enforcement at the Quaid’s mausoleum during Maryam Nawaz’s rally.

    Former prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that neither he met anyone in jail nor did somebody negotiate with him. He also stressed that the PTI will win the elections.

    Khan made these remarks while answering a reporter’s question, in his first interaction with the media since being imprisoned, about whether someone held negotiations with him.

    Recalling the events of May 9, the former PTI chairman said Dr Yasmin Rashid can be clearly seen asking people not to go inside the Lahore Corps Commander House. He added that CCTV footage could be seen to check who led the miscreants inside.  

    Furthermore, Khan said false accusations had been made through Khawar Maneka, adding that these were morally corrupt people. 

    “I can say on oath that I saw Bushra Bibi on the day of the marriage,” he insisted.

    Imran Khan said he wanted to convey a message that the “kaptaan” was ready to fight till his last breath. He further alleged that the so-called London Plan was meant to bring back PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, jail all PTI officials and finish the party.

    “I am making it clear to you today that the PTI will win the elections,” the former PTI chief said, adding that looking at the situation, it was feared they would run away from elections.

    He further commented on the economy, saying that growth has dropped from 6.17 to zero. “People are not mad; they know what these people have done.”

    On the other hand, Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a reporter he did not need any office within the party. The former minister was responding to a journalist’s statement that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had been made the PTI chairman.

    “I stood by Khan yesterday; I am standing today and will continue to do so in the future,” Qureshi asserted. He added that he was at a stage where he did not need a position.

    He further urged the supporters of the former PTI chairman to go out of their houses and cast their votes. He added that he was in the hearts of Imran Khan and the people of the PTI.

  • EU will not send full observation team for upcoming elections

    EU will not send full observation team for upcoming elections

    The European Union (EU) has told the government of Pakistan that it will not be possible to send a full election observation mission to Pakistan as it did last time in the 2018 elections, The News has reported on Monday.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had invited an EU observation mission for upcoming election on February 8 next year. The EU observation mission has already monitored polls five times in the country.

    In 2018, a team of 10 observers and 60 analysts from the EU visited Pakistan. On Election Day, it deployed a total of 122 observers.

    After that, the mission shared its final report in October 2018 and provided 30 recommendations to make the election process better in the future. The eight recommendations were identified as priorities among  30.

    “Only a small mission of experts will visit Pakistan during the elections in 2024, while no recommendations or political assessments of the voting will be presented to the Pakistan government. The EU will not be sending a full-blown election observation mission. Those need several months in advance to plan and budget for,” EU Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Riina Kionka told The News.

    The ECP has encouraged the Foreign Office to take necessary steps to invite international observers to observe the transparency of the upcoming general elections.

    The ECP also said that it believes in an open-door policy and embraces the presence of an observation team during the forthcoming general elections.