Author: newsdesk

  • Ushna Shah, Sakina Samoon criticise Pakistani celebrities not speaking out against Palestine genocide

    Ushna Shah, Sakina Samoon criticise Pakistani celebrities not speaking out against Palestine genocide

    As the tide shifts around the world with protests calling for an end to the Palestinian genocide, many global celebrities like Riz Ahmed have joined in the cause. However in Pakistan, there is a noticeable absence of many prominent celebrities whose voices are critically needed during this time, and public figures are calling this silence out.

    Actress Ushna Shah took to her Twitter account to criticise many of her peers who have chosen to remain silent rather than call out the slaughter of Palestinians by Israel.

    “To my peers who haven’t spoken up: Say with me: I don’t support the ethnic cleansing of Palestine or Israel’s illegal occupation. I stand with Palestine.

    No excuses, no ‘both sides’, no vague ‘peace wishes’. Most of Hollywood is using their platform to be clear about their stance; we need to be clear in ours. Vague posts might protect brand deals, but this issue is bigger than ad money. Speak out, take a stand. DISINFORMATION IS EVERYWHERE; If you follow any Hollywood celebrity or western media you’ll see this clear as day. Palestine needs your voice. A massive ethnic cleansing is happening right now, this is bigger than all of us.”

    Veteran actress Sakina Samoon reshared a post by writer Fatima Bhutto on her Instagram account which condemned the silence of brown celebrities and influencers on their silence over Palestine. In the caption, the actress wrote: “Indeed pathetic. They want work from the western industry, endorsements etc.”

  • BBC admits to ‘misleading’ coverage of pro-Palestine protests

    BBC admits to ‘misleading’ coverage of pro-Palestine protests

    British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News has admitted to “misleading” sentences used to describe recent pro-Palestine protests when one of its presenters, Maryam Moshiri, termed the marches supportive of Hamas.

    Moshiri posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Earlier we reported on some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the weekend.

    “We spoke about ‘several demonstrations across Britain during which people voiced their backing for Hamas’.

    “We accept this was poorly phrased and was a misleading description of the demonstrations.”

    Notably, BBC did not apologise for the statement.

    People around the world have been coming out on the streets against Israeli attacks on Gaza. So far, more than 2,800 Palestinians have been killed while the survivors are deprived of basic necessities including food, water, healthcare, electricity and internet.

  • World Cup 2023: Australia defeats Sri Lanka by five wicket to register first win

    Australia beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the 14th match of the ICC ODI World Cup, the Kangaroos’ first win in the event after two continues defeats.

    The Sri Lankan team won the toss and decided to bat first, which did not turn out well and the Sri Lankan team was dismissed for 209 runs in 43.3 overs.

    The opening pair of Nissanka and Kaushal Perera gave Sri Lanka a brilliant start of 125 runs, Nissanka scoring 61 runs with eight fours and Kaushal Perera scoring 78 runs with twelve fours.

    As soon as both of them got out, the Sri Lankan batting line fell apart. Charith Asalanka tried to stay at the wicket for a while by scoring 25 runs, but he too got out and the entire team was bowled out for 209 runs in the 44th over.

    Read More: Our prayers are with the victims in Gaza: French footballer Karim Benzema

    Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa took four wickets for 47 runs, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc getting two wickets each.

    In the counter-innings, Australia also struggled initially with the first wicket falling at just 24 with Warner 11 and Steve Smith not out. Both were dismissed by Madhu Shanka. Mitchell Marsh and Lebouchen added 57 runs for the third wicket to improve the team’s score. Marsh got out for 52 runs, followed by another good partnership between Lebouchen and Josh Ingles in which both By adding 77 runs, he put the team on the winning track.

    Lebouchen was dismissed with an innings of 40, Maxwell with 31, and Stoins with 20 to get the remaining runs and give Australia their first win in the event after two successive defeats.

    Australia achieved the target in the 36th over with a loss of five wickets. Adam Zampa was declared the player of the match.

  • Here’s why Toyota Indus Motor Company is halting car production for one month

    Here’s why Toyota Indus Motor Company is halting car production for one month

    Indus Motor Company (IMC), the leading manufacturer of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, has announced a temporary production suspension lasting a month due to inventory shortages.

    The company informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) of this development.

    Starting on October 17 and concluding on November 17, 2023, Toyota IMC has chosen to halt production in response to insufficient inventory of vehicles and parts stemming from supply chain challenges.

    The company has stated that they will keep stakeholders informed of any adjustments to this plan. This marks the ninth production closure announcement by Indus Motor this year. In the previous month, the company ceased plant operations from September 28 to October 9 due to similar inventory issues.

    In its most recent financial report, Indus Motor recorded a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs9.66 billion for FY23, representing a nearly 39 per cent decline compared to the earnings of Rs15.8 billion in the preceding year’s corresponding period.

    The Pakistani auto sector, heavily reliant on imports, has encountered hardships due to government measures to restrict imports and limit LC issuance. Elevated financing costs and substantial car price hikes have also dampened consumer demand.

    In the first quarter of FY24, sales figures reached 20,983 units, reflecting a 40 per cent decrease compared to the same period in the prior year.

    The Pakistani automotive industry is grappling with dwindling demand, primarily attributed to soaring prices, costly auto financing, and increased taxes, all contributing to a year-on-year decline in sales.

  • Islamabad’s public transport fares reduced by 10% 

    Islamabad’s public transport fares reduced by 10% 

    With immediate effect, public transport fares in Islamabad have been reduced by 10 per cent in direct response to the recent decline in petroleum prices.  

    This decision emerged following a meeting convened by the Secretary of the Islamabad Transport Authority, involving consultations with representatives from the Drivers Welfare Association as well as transportation business owners. 

    This fare reduction is poised to make a significant impact, encompassing 23 distinct routes crisscrossing the capital city of Islamabad. It serves as a vital measure to alleviate the financial burden borne by commuters in the region. 

    Notably, this benevolent gesture is mirrored in Lahore, where transport operators have also undertaken fare reductions for both long-haul and short-haul journeys. 

    Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to ease the economic challenges facing the populace amidst escalating inflation, the caretaker government took decisive action on Sunday.  

    This action involved a substantial reduction in petrol price by a notable Rs40 per litre and an equally substantial reduction of Rs15 per litre for high-speed diesel (HSD) over the forthcoming two weeks.  

  • PM Kakar calls for reduction in prices of essential items and services after petrol price cut 

    PM Kakar calls for reduction in prices of essential items and services after petrol price cut 

    On Monday, Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaar ul Haq Kakar called upon the chief ministers to take decisive action in lowering the prices of essential goods and services in response to a significant reduction in fuel costs. 

    In a momentous development, the government has implemented a substantial reduction of Rs40 in the price of petrol. 

    Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar issued clear directives at both the federal and provincial levels, urging the implementation of a stringent price control mechanism. 

    PM Kakar stressed that all endeavours must be focused on ensuring that the benefits of reduced petroleum prices are passed on to the citizens of Pakistan. 

    The prime minister emphasised the unwavering enforcement of his directives. 

    Prior to this decision, the cost of petrol had seen a remarkable reduction of Rs40 per litre in Pakistan. 

    As per a notification issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, the price of petrol now stands at Rs283.38 per litre, reflecting a reduction of Rs40 per litre. 

    Meanwhile, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been lowered by Rs15 per litre to reach Rs303.18, while kerosene oil prices have witnessed a reduction of Rs22.43 per litre, now standing at Rs214.85. 

  • Major ANF operation uncovers online drug trafficking ring, resulting in 11 arrests 

    Major ANF operation uncovers online drug trafficking ring, resulting in 11 arrests 

    In a significant revelation, drug trafficking operations conducted through online shopping platforms have come to light, resulting in the apprehension of 11 individuals in various cities across Pakistan. The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has been at the forefront of this enforcement effort. 

    According to the official spokesperson for the ANF, ongoing investigations have unearthed additional suspects connected to this illicit network, all of whom hail from different regions within the four provinces of Pakistan. 

    During the course of these operations, the ANF has successfully seized 33 parcels, containing a total of 53.7 kilogrammes of hashish, 1.6 kilogrammes of ice, and 1.2 kilogrammes of opium, dealing a severe blow to the illegal drug trade. 

    Reports of drug trafficking through online shopping platforms had been circulating for several months prior to these recent arrests.  

    The ANF’s spokesperson disclosed that a well-organised group had been exploiting registered companies on these platforms as a front for their drug smuggling activities. 

    Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that the ongoing investigation has revealed the existence of a far-reaching network of this criminal group, spreading its tentacles across the entire country.  

    As the investigation continues, concerns have been raised that employees of major e-commerce platforms may also be involved in this heinous act.  

    The full extent of their involvement remains under scrutiny as authorities work diligently to dismantle this dangerous network. 

  • ICC may review Mickey Arthur’ comment ‘bilateral series’ after match against India

    ICC may review Mickey Arthur’ comment ‘bilateral series’ after match against India

    International Cricket Council (ICC) may take action against Pakistan’s cricket team’s director Mickey Arthur for his comment referring to “bilateral series” after match between Pakistan and India.

    During a press conference on Saturday after the match between Pakistan and India, Mickey Arthur said, “Today’s match looked like a BCCI event not ICC, I didn’t hear “Dil dil Pakistan” coming through the microphones too often tonight”.

    ICC chairman Greg Barclay was attending a session of the International Olympic committee in Mumbai where he voted for inclusion of T20 cricket in Olympics 2028. He reportedly asked about Mickey Arthur’s comments.

    “Every event that we have, there’s always criticisms from various quarters,” Barclay said, adding that “Perhaps we’ll take away and try to work on, try to do better, so this event’s only the start. Let’s see how the whole thing plays out and we will go away and we will review what could change, what we can do better than this, how we can improve World Cups, and the general offering around cricket.”

    Barclay stressed that he was satisfied that the tournament will still be an “outstanding” World Cup.

  • Israel-Palestine war: 10 days in 10 pictures

    Israel-Palestine war: 10 days in 10 pictures

    Here are 10 pictures from the past 10 days following Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.

    Israel has been accused of using white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon [File: Mohammed Abed/AFP]

    An airstrike destroyed buildings and cars around Jabaliya in Gaza on Monday.Credit…Mohammed Abed/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
    A fireball erupts during one of the latest Israeli bombardments of Gaza Strip on Monday night (October 9) and early Tuesday (October 10) [Mahmud Hams/AFP]
    Palestinian men carry bread through a heavily bombed street following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City on October 10, 2023.   © 2023 Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images
    Palestinian relatives stand with bodies wrapped in funeral shrouds with their names written for identification, at a hospital following Israeli military attacks on Rafah, in the southern of Gaza Strip on October 16, 2023. – The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to around 2,750 since Hamas’s deadly attack on southern Israel last week, the Gaza health ministry said October 16. Some 9,700 people have also been injured as Israel continued its withering air campaign on targets in the Palestinian coastal enclave, the Hamas-controlled ministry added. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP)
    A protestor is detained by French Police during an unauthorized demonstration in support of Palestinians at Place de la Republique, in Paris, on October 12, 2023. Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images

    People rally to protest against the Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, in Sanaa, Yemen [Khaled Abdullah/Reuters]
    A man man works on moving the body of a Palestinian, who was killed in Israeli strikes, from an ice cream truck where it was kept, as the hospital morgues are packed, amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in the central Gaza Strip October 15, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

    Graphic content / The foot of a young Palestinian sticks out from under the rubble of a home following an Israeli attack on the town of Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on October 15, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. – Thousands of Palestinians have gathered in the south of the Gaza Strip, laying out beds on the streets after UN-run schools filled up following Israel’s warning to evacuate the north of the impoverished enclave. (Photo by Mohammed FAEQ / AFP)
    Israeli civilians volunteers feed soldiers at a barbeque and check their wellbeing prior to their deployment to the zone along the Israel-Gaza border near southern Israeli city of Ofakim on October 16, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. – Thousands of people, both Israeli and Palestinians have died since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip, entered southern Israel in a surprise attack leading Israel to declare war on Hamas in Gaza on October 8. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)

  • Approval of Al-Qadir UNIVERSITY was done in a hidden manner, even we weren’t aware that Khan took watches from Toshakhana: Farrukh Habib

    Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and ex-federal minister Farrukh Habib announced his departure from the party on Monday, pledging allegiance to the Jahangir Tareen-led Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) during a press conference held at the IPP’s head office in Lahore.

    In a significant blow to the PTI, Habib condemned the May 9 riots, attributing the responsibility for the turmoil to former prime minister and Chairman of PTI, Imran Khan. He criticized Imran Khan’s handling of the political situation, alleging that the former premier fueled violence and instigated a confrontation against state institutions.

    Habib said PTI’s “war” with the state institutions was “not a war between believers and non-believers,” lamenting that the ex-premier brought the country to the verge of violence.

    The IPP was formed on June 8 by estranged PTI leaders Tareen and Aleem Khan, who left the ex-PM’s party after severe disagreements, while several Imran loyalists have also joined hands with them.

    “I wasn’t at my house for the past five months […] and for the last few weeks, I wasn’t even in contact with my family,” Habib told journalists.

    “Since May 9, we did not face the law and were away from our houses. For the past five months, I was constantly pondering whether I joined politics for this reason,” he said.

    During the press conference, Farrukh Habib highlighted a series of grievances with the PTI’s leadership, citing instances where he felt the party had deviated from its ethical and moral compass. He criticized the PTI chief for allegedly accepting gifts from the Toshakhana despite previously condemning similar actions by other political leaders.

    “I realised that we took our real struggle to the path of violence. We stepped away from Pakistan which was envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam,” he said.

    Habib recalled that the PTI government was ousted via a vote of no-confidence constitutionally, but regretted that the party did not wait peacefully after that. Expressing his perspective, he said the PTI should have opted for a “democratic struggle” and waited for elections.

    “But you opted for violent resistance. We have faced beatings as youth leaders but we never opted for a violent approach. We used to work so dedicatedly for our vision,” Habib said. “But if you look at that struggle and compare it with the post-May 9 violence, you will see a difference.

    “There were messages for people to take to the streets and their minds were hijacked. Their sentiments were provoked that Pakistan’s institutions are working against them,” he claimed.

    Habib stated that “a message of hatred” was run on television all the time and a “bullet approach instead of ballot approach” was taken.

    Habib’s decision to join the IPP follows a series of similar defections from the PTI in recent weeks, suggesting internal upheavals within the party ranks. The former minister’s remarks resonated with similar sentiments expressed by other estranged PTI members who have found a common cause in the IPP.