Author: newsdesk

  • Superstar Mahira Khan ties the knot with Salim Karim in intimate ceremony

    Superstar Mahira Khan ties the knot with Salim Karim in intimate ceremony

    Pakistan’s sweetheart Mahira Khan made social media sob last night when videos emerged of her intimate wedding to longtime beau Salim Karim. In a posted on Instagram by her brother Hissan Khan, the actress looked absolutely breathtaking in an ivory lengha choli along with a patterned veil and her hair in a bun, as she hugged her betrothed at the altar.

    In another clip posted by her manager Anushay T Khan, Mahira and her beau could be seen shedding tears as they walked towards each other on their wedding day. The video moved social media users, many getting emotional while watching the sobbing couple.

    The details we know are that the wedding took place in an undisclosed location in Bhurban, with only childhood friends and family members present who weren’t allowed to keep their phones during the three day ceremony. Esteemed wedding destination photgrapher Izzah Shaheen Malik was selected for the photographs and video coverage of the event. Mahira Khan had reportedly picked Faraz Mannan for her big day.

    Rumors began circulating that the Pakistani superstar was finally committed and in love when in 2020 during an interview with Samina Peerzada, Mahira confirmed that she was in love and disclosed that the person was not from the industry. In a live talk hosted by fashion designer HSY, the actress gushed about her beau saying:

    “There’s a line in Humsafar which I thought was beautiful, where Ashar says to Khirad, ‘Pata nahi tum mujhay kis naiki ke badlay mein mili ho’ and I think the same about him. I must have done something good in my life that God has sent him my way.”

    Mahira’s beau Salim Karim is a business tycoon, the CEO of the startup Simpaisa, and also a professional DJ.

    This is the ‘Verna’ superstar’s second marriage. She divorced first husband Ali Asghar in 2015, with whom she shares a son Azlan.

    We’re sending our sincerest congratulations to the happy pair, and are eagerly waiting for more pictures to arrive of the joyous occasion.

  • Shadab Khan’s favourite Indian player is NOT Kohli

    Shadab Khan’s favourite Indian player is NOT Kohli

    Pakistan cricket team vice-captain Shadab Khan has revealed the names of his favorite Indian cricketers. Surprisingly, one of the best batsmen in the world, Virat Kohli, is not included in his list.

    The national cricket team is in India these days to play the ICC World Cup. While holding a press conference in Hyderabad Deccan on Sunday, the vice-captain of the Pakistan cricket team was asked the names of his favorite Indian cricketers.

    To which Shadab said he liked Rohit Sharma, who he branded “a very dangerous batsman”.

    He said that as far as Indian bowlers are concerned, “I think leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is the best, he has the ability to bowl brilliantly even on a flat pitch.”
    Shadab added that he thinks the team that bowls best will win the World Cup.

    Read More: Pakistan team’s menu in Hyderabad is fit for a king

    Remember that the Pakistan Cricket team is now In India to play Cricket World Cup 2023. Pakistan will play its first World Cup match against the Netherlands on October 6.

  • FBR exceeds revenue target by Rs63 billion for first three months of current fiscal year 

    FBR exceeds revenue target by Rs63 billion for first three months of current fiscal year 

    In the initial quarter of the ongoing fiscal year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) successfully amassed a total of Rs2,041 billion, significantly surpassing the stipulated target of Rs1,978 billion by an impressive margin of Rs63 billion. 

    Furthermore, the FBR exhibited commendable dedication and diligence in pursuit of its revenue goals for the month of September 2023. Despite setting a target of Rs794 billion, the FBR managed to accumulate a noteworthy sum of Rs834 billion, as opposed to the Rs688 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2022. 

    Additionally, the FBR issued refunds totaling Rs37 billion, a notable increase compared to the Rs18 billion issued in September 2022. 

    Nonetheless, it is important to note a considerable reduction in import activities during September 2023, with taxes collected at the import stage amounting to Rs254 billion, down from the previous month’s figure of Rs299 billion. According to ARY News, this deficit of Rs45 billion was effectively compensated for through the collection of domestic taxes, particularly direct taxes. 

  • Petrol price reduced by Rs8 to Rs323.38 per litre for two weeks

    Petrol price reduced by Rs8 to Rs323.38 per litre for two weeks

    In a noteworthy development aimed at alleviating concerns over inflation, the interim government has decided to implement a reduction in the prices of petroleum products for the upcoming two weeks.  

    As of October 1, 2023, the price of petrol will see a substantial decrease of Rs8 per litre, resulting in a new rate of Rs323.38. Additionally, a price reduction of Rs11 per litre has been announced for diesel, bringing the revised rate to Rs318.18 per litre. 

    This decision has been prompted by the strengthening of the Pakistani rupee and a global decrease in petroleum prices, as indicated by the Ministry of Finance in an official statement.  

    The Ministry stated, “In the wake of variations in international prices of petroleum products and the improvement in the exchange rate, the Government of Pakistan has decided to revise the consumer prices of petroleum products.” 

    Furthermore, the government has taken steps to lower the cost of kerosene oil by Rs7.53 per litre, establishing a new rate of 237.28, while light diesel oil will witness a reduction of Rs7.77 per litre, resulting in a price of 212.45 per litre. 

  • Get ready, Shaheen with another present! Rumours that Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma having a baby

    Get ready, Shaheen with another present! Rumours that Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma having a baby

    Shaheen Afridi went viral in September after he was seen handing a gift to Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah, who had recently become a father. The prodigous bowler was seen congratulating Bumrah and wishing health and happiness for his new baby. Looks like Shaheen will have to get to work again and start concocting present ideas because another Indian cricket team member is rumoured to becoming a father again.

    Reports in media say that Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, are set to become parents once more. The news emerged after the Hindustan Times reported that the actress was possibly in her second trimester, quoting a source:

    “Anushka is expecting her second baby. Like the last time, they will formally share the news with the world at a later stage.”

    The source further added that Anushka and Virat have requested the Indian paparazzi not to post their pictures, and promised to make an announcement soon.

    Any ideas iss baar humara Shaheen kya tofa dein gay Virat Kohli ko? We’re already thinking his friendship with the Pakistani cricketer Shadab Khan must be a greater gift because dosti say ziada kya acha ho sakta hai?

    READ MORE: Shadab-Kohli kay pyaar ki memes break the internet

  • ‘Naseem complained about injury but medical team didn’t take it seriously’: Moin Khan

    ‘Naseem complained about injury but medical team didn’t take it seriously’: Moin Khan

    The hearts of countless Pakistan cricket lovers were left broken when fast bowling sensation Naseem Shah was ruled out of the World Cup squad because of an injury.

    In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, former cricketer Moin Khan has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team for their poor handling of the young cricketer’s injury, as a result of which he had to miss out on the major event.

    “Naseem’s injury is a disaster of Pakistan’s team medical panel and physiotherapist,” Moni stated. “Because he has been constantly complaining that he is having problem since three to four months yet they were continuously playing him. A player would always wish to not get dropped but when he is telling you about his injury, you have to take it very seriously. The medical panel didn’t take it seriously. This was a recipe for disaster.”

    The former captain urged PCB to hold the medical board accountable for their mismanagement, as a result of which Pakistan’s cricket team lost an impressive bowler like Naseem.

    “The authorities in PCB should task them [medical panel] because we suffered a great loss ahead of World Cup when Naseem was in form and was bowling extraordinarily. And which is why now we have to take Hassan Ali. Hassan Ali is an experienced bowler, who has been through similar circumstances. From that point of view, this decision is suitable and Hassan Ali’s selection is justified.”

    “The feedback of medical panel in the selection is essential. Particularly to the captain that how you have to manage a player’s workload. All of your players are talented. This shouldn’t be the approach that you will spend the rest of the year with the same combination, you cannot do that, it’s difficult.”

    In a tweet, Naseem Shah announced his absence from the World Cup, writing:

    “With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I’m disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah’s hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon. Thank you to all my fans for the prayers!”

  • Inquiry launched into killing of four villagers during operation in Sakrand

    Inquiry launched into killing of four villagers during operation in Sakrand

    Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, has on Saturday initiated an inquiry into the tragic incident in Sakrand, where four villagers lost their lives during a law enforcement operation. The CM has called for a comprehensive report on the incident within four days.

    The operation, carried out by law enforcement agencies, aimed to apprehend militants associated with the banned Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army. In the course of the operation, four individuals were killed, and nine others, including four Rangers personnel, sustained injuries. A Rangers spokesman released a statement mentioning that the operation was intelligence-based and targeted high-value individuals, as per Dawn.

    However, Sindh United Party (SUP) Secretary General Roshan Burriro claimed that those killed were supporters and revealed that a confrontation had ensued between security forces and villagers. The situation escalated when law enforcement officers opened fire, resulting in tragic deaths and injuries.

    Subsequently, grieving villagers staged a protest and blocked a section of the National Highway while carrying the coffins of the deceased individuals.

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) took to X (former Twitter) to demand an independent investigation into the incident, emphasizing the importance of justice for the affected families.

    “The deaths of at least four people, killed allegedly by law enforcement agencies during a security operation in a village near #Sarkand in Sindh, must be investigated independently. While the government should take all possible steps to improve law and order in the province, this in no way excuses extrajudicial killings, which HRCP has always opposed. We urge the caretaker chief minister to take notice of this incident. Those families currently protesting in Sarkand deserve justice. Additionally, the whereabouts of Liaquat Jalbani, a student initially in the custody of law enforcement personnel, who was brought to the village when this incident took place, must be established.”

    CM Baqar firmly stated that such incidents should not occur and formed a three-member committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter, with a mandate to deliver its findings within four days.

    The Sindh Home Department has issued an order appointing Hyderabad Commissioner Khalid Hyder Shah to lead the inquiry committee, assisted by the Shaheed Benazirabad deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and Karachi DIG Special Branch. The committee’s task is to ascertain the causes behind the clash that resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to law enforcement personnel.

    Protest by the families and relatives of the deceased villagers came to an end after the initiation of the judicial inquiry and the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).

    The FIR was filed under Sections 302 (intentional murder) and 324 (murder attempt) of the Pakistan Penal Code based on the complaint of Rahib Jalbani, the brother of one of the deceased individuals. According to the FIR, the security officials arrived at a house in the village and accused those present of being terrorists before opening fire. The complainant’s brother and another individual died on the spot, while several others were injured.

    SUP President Syed Zain Shah clarified that the deceased villagers were not politically affiliated, and their bodies will be laid to rest following a funeral in the village. He also mentioned that the villagers agreed to end their protest after authorities committed to conducting a judicial inquiry.

    SUP leaders highlighted that the villagers were ready to visit and inquire about the health of injured Rangers personnel, expressing concern that labeling the villagers as terrorists was a significant stigma. Law enforcement officers had claimed they had acted based on information about miscreants in the area.

  • Nawaz Sharif believes in divine justice: Ishaq Dar

    Nawaz Sharif believes in divine justice: Ishaq Dar

    Former finance minister Ishaq Dar has said in a major policy statement on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) narrative that Nawaz Sharif has left his matters to Allah to punish his tormentors and those who threw him out of power using illegal, vindictive, and unethical means, as reported by Geo News.

    It is pertinent to remember that on September 22, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif conveyed that former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Gen Faiz Hameed, Saqib Nisar, and Asif Saeed Khosa should be brought to justice.

    When asked about Sharif’s stance on individuals such as former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) ex-director general Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, and the Panama judges, Dar reiterated Sharif’s commitment to leaving his fate in the hands of Allah. Dar mentioned how various individuals who were perceived as unjustly targeting Sharif have faced exposure and accountability, highlighting Judge Arshed Malik’s video confession and Justice Shaukat Siddiqui’s revelations.

    Dar said: “There are two choices: take revenge and personal scores settlement or fix the country and the economy. Nawaz Sharif has left his matter to Allah the Almighty. I have never seen in history that nature has exposed culprits in such a short time. Look how Judge Arshed Malik made his video confession of unfairly convicting Nawaz Sharif, how Justice Shaukat Siddiqui exposed injustice to Nawaz Sharif and informed the nation. This has happened in the fastest manner because Nawaz Sharif had left his matter with Allah and Allah is the best of judges.”

    Dar said that Sharif’s focus, upon his return to Pakistan, will be on nation-building, to help the country come out of the crisis, to bring economic progress and reforms, to bring prosperity to the nation and to reduce the difficulties of the masses, to put Pakistan on the path of progress.

    Dar said: “Allah has exposed them and Allah will hold them accountable too. Some are hiding, some are on the run and some are unable to show their faces. This is happening thanks to Allah’s justice and today the whole world knows that these were fraudulent and false cases against Nawaz Sharif; that he was victimised and the nation of Pakistan paid a price for this. The biggest victim in all this is Pakistan, the progress of Pakistan has been pushed back many decades as Pakistan has become the 4th economy of the world today and under Nawaz Sharif, it was the 24th economy of the world. This is the sum total of the destruction of Pakistan.”

    He further said: “The formation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is a step in the right direction. All stakeholders are part of it. The vehicle needed for it is already formed in the shape of the Pakistan sovereign wealth fund. Lots of sub-funds will be formed under it. These are revolutionary steps. If we win elections, I have no doubt that Pakistan will take off again.”

    Speaking to journalists after meeting Sharif and Maryam Nawaz at Thornhope House, both Shehbaz Sharif and Dar said that the narrative of PML-N will be defined by the fact that Pakistan progressed under Nawaz from 2013 till 2017 and then his govt was dislodged and the journey of Pakistan’s economic progress was halted.

    “The programme is final for October 21 and Mian Nawaz Sharif is returning to Pakistan,” Dar told the media.
    Dar will be returning to Pakistan on Saturday. He said he would appear before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the re-opened assets beyond means case.

    He said: “This is a false case, based on falsehood and lies. I have not missed my tax returns for a second in my life but lies as big as mountains were told about me to victimise me by the Saqib Nisar-led system in order to bring in Imran Khan projects which have failed badly. I will prove before the courts that I am an innocent man who has been victimised on political grounds.”

  • Pakistani rupee claims top spot as best-performing currency worldwide 

    Pakistani rupee claims top spot as best-performing currency worldwide 

    Amidst a determined crackdown on smuggling and illegal financial activities, the Pakistani rupee has emerged as the world’s top-performing currency for September. During this remarkable month, the rupee’s value surged from Rs305.54 against the US dollar on August 31st to Rs287.74 on September 28th, a notable increase of Rs17.8 or 6.2 per cent.

    Impressively, this positive trend persisted for 17 consecutive trading sessions, resulting in an overall gain of nearly 7 per cent since hitting its lowest point at 307.1 on September 5th. 

    It’s essential to note that the currency market was closed on Friday, September 29th. In terms of global currency performance, the Mauritian rupee secured the second position with a modest appreciation of 0.7 per cent, while the Hong Kong dollar claimed third place, showing a slight improvement of 0.2 per cent throughout September. These figures are based on data from the brokerage house Arif Habib Limited (AHL), reported on a recent Friday. 

    Financial experts attribute this remarkable rupee surge to a series of government measures aimed at curbing dollar smuggling and currency hoarding. Additionally, during the same month, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) introduced structural reforms targeting the Exchange Companies (ECs) sector. These reforms included a directive for commercial banks to establish their own ECs as wholly-owned subsidiaries and an increase in the minimum capital requirement for ECs from Rs200 million to Rs500 million. 

    Notably, the Pakistani rupee recorded substantial gains in the inter-bank market, appreciating by 6-9 per cent against three major currencies – the US dollar, UK Pound, and Euro – over the past few weeks. Even in the open market, the rupee showed a significant upswing of 11-13 per cent, effectively eliminating the premium associated with the open-market rate. This is particularly impressive given that the US Dollar index reached a 10-month high. 

    This strengthening of the rupee aligns with the commitment made by Pakistani authorities in July when they entered into a vital $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This agreement was pivotal in averting a potential sovereign default and required the adoption of a market-based exchange rate, which has now proven to be a pivotal factor in the rupee’s impressive resurgence. 

  • Man hypnotised and robbed in Karachi

    A man in Karachi was robbed after being hypnotised in Saadi Town area.

    The victim’s brother said that the accused claimed that his card was stuck in the ATM, after which his brother put his card and password in the machine in front of him at his request.

    The accused fraudulently took his brother’s ATM card and fled in a car.

    The suspect is said to have withdrawn Rs 40,000 from the ATM on Jinnah Avenue, and blocked the brother’s card.