Author: newsdesk

  • Can democracy deliver? Pakistanis answer in new report

    Can democracy deliver? Pakistanis answer in new report

    Open Society Barometer conducted a survey on one question: Can Democracy Deliver?

    The survey is based on representative polling in 30 countries with a combined population of over 5.5 billion people, including Pakistan, to reflect on geographic, economic, and political diversity.

    The report surveyed 36,344 respondents aged 18 or older in each country

    According to the survey, 86 per cent of respondents have faith in democracy while only 20 per cent believe that authoritarian countries can deliver “what citizens want.”

    72 per cent believe that human rights have been a “force for good” in the world, and 71 per cent agree that “human rights reflect values that I believe in.”

    It is noteworthy that only 57 per cent of 18-35-year-olds prefer democracy to any other form of government, compared to 71 per cent of older respondents.

    Democracy and Pakistan
    The global average percentage of respondents who deem it important to live in a democratically governed country is 86 per cent while in Pakistan it is 79 per cent.

    Similarly, 56 per cent of Pakistanis preferred democracy over other form of governance in comparison to 62 per cent of the global average.

    The global average percentage of respondents who believe human rights have been a force for good in the world is 72 per cent while in Pakistan it is 81 per cent.

    Human Rights and Pakistan

    With the global average of 72 per cent respondents, 81 per cent Pakistanis believe human rights have been a force for good in the world.

    78 per cent of Pakistanis believe human rights reflect the values that they believe in in comparison to the global average of 71 per cent.

    The highest percentage of Pakistanis, i.e. 39 per cent, rank economic and social rights as the most important. This is followed by civil and political rights with 23 per cent, environmental rights with 16 per cent and digital rights with 12 per cent.

    Most importantly, 43 per cent of Pakistanis disagree with army rule as a “good way of running a country” in comparison to 33 per cent who agree.

    Likewise, 45 per cent of Pakistanis disagree with having a leader who “does not bother with parliaments or elections is a good way of running a country” while 33 per cent agree.

    Equity, justice and Pakistan

    73 per cent of Pakistanis fear that political unrest in their country could lead to violence next year in comparison to 58 per cent of the global average.

  • iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today 

    iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today 

    In June, Apple unveiled its latest iOS update, iOS 17, packed with a multitude of enhancements and changes for the iPhone. Following an extensive three-month beta testing period, this highly anticipated software update is set to hit iPhones, specifically those iPhone XS or newer, on Monday, 18th September. 

    Here, we present an overview of the ten standout features that iOS 17 brings to the iPhone, along with a glimpse of additional forthcoming features. To get your hands on this update, keep an eye out for its release on Monday, accessible via your iPhone’s Settings app under General > Software Update. 

    1. StandBy: Glanceable charging screen 

    Apple introduces StandBy, a new full-screen view tailored for iPhones during charging, especially when placed on a nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk. It features customizable elements like clock styles, calendars, photos, weather forecasts, music controls, widgets, and more. This feature supports Live Activities, Siri, incoming calls, and larger notifications, and is compatible with the iPhone 14 Pro’s always-on display. 

    2. Personalised contact poster 

    iOS 17 empowers users to craft a personalised Contact Poster, visible when they receive an incoming call on someone else’s iPhone. This poster can showcase photos or Memojis, and users can personalise the font and background colours. The feature is accessible in the built-in Phone app and will extend to third-party calling apps. 

    3. NameDrop: Seamless contact sharing 

    NameDrop simplifies contact sharing by allowing users to exchange phone numbers or email addresses by merely bringing their iPhones close together. Additionally, Contact Posters can be shared during this process. 

    4. Live voicemail with real-time transcription 

    Live Voicemail offers real-time transcription on the screen as callers leave voicemails. Users can choose to answer calls while the message is being recorded. Notably, spam calls identified by carriers are instantly declined and not transcribed. 

    5. Inline replies in Messages app 

    In the Messages app, iOS 17 enables users to swipe right on any message for an inline reply, streamlining the conversation experience. 

    6. Interactive widgets for enhanced functionality 

    Interactive widgets are now available across the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and the new StandBy view. These widgets allow actions like marking reminders as completed, controlling media playback, and managing Home app accessories. As third-party apps adopt this feature, the possibilities will expand. 

    7. Advanced language model for word prediction 

    iOS 17 introduces a cutting-edge language model for word prediction, significantly improving autocorrection on iPhones. Users receive inline text recommendations as they type, facilitating quick word or sentence additions by tapping the space bar. 

    8. Enhanced Autocorrection design 

    Autocorrection in iOS 17 briefly underlines corrected words, simplifying the process of reverting changes. The system adapts to users’ typing habits over time, preventing some corrections for a smoother typing experience. 

    9. Offline maps in Apple Maps 

    Apple Maps now matches Google Maps with the ability to download maps for offline use. This feature permits turn-by-turn navigation, estimated arrival times, and finding locations without needing a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. 

    10. Stickers drawer for easy access 

    A new stickers drawer in iOS 17 provides convenient access to all stickers, including Live Stickers, emojis, Memojis, and iMessage sticker packs. Live Stickers can be created by touching and holding objects in photos. 

    11. Effortless Siri activation 

    Apple has simplified Siri activation across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, HomePods, and AirPods Pro. Now, instead of saying “Hey Siri,” users can simply say “Siri” to activate the voice assistant and issue multiple consecutive commands without repeating “Siri.” 

    With these exciting features, iOS 17 promises an enhanced and efficient iPhone experience, addressing user needs and preferences. 

  • Pakistan’s exports surge by 22.45% in FY23-24’s first two months, crossing Rs1.27 trillion mark

    Pakistan’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, achieving a substantial 22.45 per cent increase, reaching the noteworthy milestone of Rs1.27 trillion during the initial two months of the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY23-24).

    According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), exports from July to August 2023 stood at Rs1.27 trillion, marking a remarkable 22.45 per cent surge compared to the Rs1.04 trillion recorded during the corresponding period the previous year.

    In a year-on-year analysis, exports in August 2023 surged by an impressive 26.75 per cent, reaching Rs695.1 billion, as opposed to the Rs548.4 billion recorded in August 2022. Furthermore, on a month-to-month basis, exports surged by 19.62 per cent when juxtaposed with the Rs581.1 billion recorded in July 2023. The textile and knitwear sector emerged as the most substantial export contributor, accounting for an impressive Rs117.8 billion.

    In contrast, imports during July and August of the fiscal year 2023-24 experienced a modest decline of 2.42 per cent, totaling Rs2.3 trillion. This is in contrast to the imports recorded at Rs2.4 trillion during the corresponding period the previous year. Of note, Pakistan’s imports in August 2023 included Rs180.6 billion worth of petroleum products, followed by crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) valued at Rs119.4 billion and Rs89.8 billion, respectively.

    When analyzed on a year-on-year basis, imports into Pakistan in August 2023 displayed a marginal 0.5 per cent decrease when compared to August 2022. On a month-on-month basis, imports into the country saw a significant uptick of 27.79 per cent in August 2023 when compared to the Rs1.04 trillion worth of imports in July 2023.

    According to Geo, this surge in exports is indeed promising as it holds the potential to bolster Pakistan’s diminishing foreign exchange reserves, a much-needed development in light of the challenging economic situation stemming from the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee

  • What is Practice and Procedure act 2023?

    What is Practice and Procedure act 2023?

    On March 29 and March 30, 2023, the National Assembly and Senate, respectively, adopted and enacted the (Practice and Procedure Bill) 2023. Without his signature, the President remitted the bill for review, but on April 10, 2023, the Joint Session of Parliament once more passed the Act after it had complied with all rules and procedures.

    According to the Act, each case, appeal, and subject before the Supreme Court will be heard by benches formed by a committee comprising of the Chief Justice and the two senior most judges.

    It further stated that any issue involving the use of original jurisdiction under Article 184, paragraph (3), shall be brought before the committee for consideration first.
    The committee must then assemble a bench of at least three Supreme Court justices, which may also include committee members, if it deems that the issue involves the enforcement of one or more fundamental rights.
    According to the Act, an appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the larger bench of the Supreme Court obtaining jurisdiction over it and its hearing date must be scheduled no later than 14 days after that. When submitting a review application, it also offers a party the flexibility to choose the lawyer of its choice.

  • Pakistan Railways increases train fares amid record-high fuel prices 

    Pakistan Railways increases train fares amid record-high fuel prices 

    Pakistan Railways has announced a second fare increase this September in response to a significant surge in petrol and diesel prices. 

    According to ARY News, effective tomorrow, September 19th, train fares will see a 5 per cent hike across all categories, encompassing shuttles, passenger trains, express services, and freight. It’s worth noting that this increase excludes shuttle and passenger trains covering distances of 250 kilometres or less. 

    Over the past 1.5 months, the railway ministry has already implemented a cumulative 20 per cent fare increase. The previous increments occurred on August 10th (10 per cent) and September 2nd. 

    This decision by Pakistan Railways closely follows an earlier announcement this month, wherein a 5 per cent fare increase was revealed for all shuttle, passenger, express, and inter-city trains. 

    These adjustments coincide with a recent decision by the caretaker government to raise petroleum product prices by up to Rs14 per litre. This move is seen as contradictory to previous promises of relief to the general populace. 

    Of particular note is the substantial increase in petrol and diesel prices, with petrol rising by Rs26.2 per litre to reach a new price of Rs331.38 per litre and diesel increasing by Rs17.34 per litre, now priced at Rs329.18 per litre. 

    Within the span of just one month, the caretaker government has raised petrol prices by Rs58 per litre and diesel prices by Rs56 per litre, raising concerns among economic experts regarding a potential fresh wave of inflation triggered by these drastic fuel price hikes. 

  • Who are the 15 Supreme Court judges you saw on TV all day?

    Who are the 15 Supreme Court judges you saw on TV all day?

    Today, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, proceedings of the full bench in the Supreme Court were broadcast on PTV.
    Most people were confused about who was who as they saw the 15 judges on screen for the first time.

    If you’re not familiar with them, here is a short intro to each of the 15 judges.

    1 Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah

    Formerly the 45th Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Mr Ali Shah has been serving as a justice at the Supreme Court since 2018. He was born in Peshawar and educated at Aitchison College, University of the Punjab and then Downing College, Cambridge.

    2 Mr. Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi

    Mr Hasan Azhar Rizvi has been serving as a judge at the Supreme Court of Pakistan since November 2022, prior to which he was a Justice of the Sindh High Court from Febuary 2010 to November 2022.

    3 Mr. Justice Sardar Tariq Masood

    Mr Justice Sardar Tariq Masood has been serving as a justice at the Supreme Court of Pakistan since November 2015. He began practicing law in the Rawalpindi district in 1985 and became an Advocate of the Supreme Court in 2008.

    4 Mrs. Justice Ayesha A. Malik

    At the age of 55, Mrs Ayesha Malik made history by becoming the first female Supreme Court judge, a victory that was celebrated by all women in Pakistan. In 2021, she outlawed the deeply misogynist virginity test which was used on survivors of rape and sexual abuse. She earned her Bachelors of Commerce from Government College of Commerce and Economics, then received her law degree from Pakistan College of Law, and her LL.M from Harvard Law School.

    5 Mr. Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan

    Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge in 2019. He began practicing in lower courts in 1985 after which he was issued a license. He was appointed as an Advocate of the Lahore High Court in 1987, and later of the Supreme Court in 2001.

    6 Mr. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail

    Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail was elevated to the Supreme Court of Pakistan as a Judge on August 2021. He completed his Matriculation from the Federal Government High School, Quetta Cantonment, and then his FSc. from Government Science College, Quetta. Mr Mandokhail completed his Masters in Political Science and Economics from the University of Balochistan, and later did his LLB from University Law College Quetta in 1987.

    7 Mr. Justice Munib Akhtar

    Justice Munib Akhtar took oath as a Supreme Court judge in 2018. He is the son-in-law of the former law minister Khalid Anwar.

    8 Mr. Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan

    Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2016. He had earlier been appointed the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court in 2015. He recieved his early education in Lahore and then graduated in 1979 from Forman Christian College with a merit scholarship.

    9 Mr. Justice Athar Minallah

    Justice Athar Minallah was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in November 2022. Prior to this, he served as the 5th Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court from 2018 till 2022.

    10 Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed

    Justice Shahid Waheed completed his graduation from Government College Lahore in 1986, after which he did his LL.B from the University Of Punjab in 1989. He was elevated as a judge of the Lahore High Court on March 2012, and appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2022.

    11 Mr. Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi

    Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in March 2020, and has been a practicing Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and at the High Courts since 2001 and 1988.

    12 Mr. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar

    Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in August 2021. Before his tenure in the apex court, he became a judge of the Sindh High Court in February 2010. Born in Karachi, he completed his graduation in Commerce and later passed his LL.B examination in 1990.

    13 Mr Justice Qazi Faez Isa

    Mr. Justice Qazi Faez Isa was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in September 2014, and was elevated to the position of Chief Justice on Sunday. He completed his early education from Karachi, then went on to earn a Bachelors in Law from London, where he completed his Bar Professional examination at the Inns of Court School of Law.

    14 Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi

    Justice Yahya Afridi was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court in June 2018, and was previously appointed as the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court in December 2016.

    15 Ms. Justice Mussarat Hilali

    Justice Mussarat Hilali became the first woman Chief Justice to be appointed at the Peshawar High Court in March 2023, and later became the second female judge to be appointed at the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

  • CAA gathers global players: Meeting in Dubai to discuss Islamabad airport outsourcing 

    CAA gathers global players: Meeting in Dubai to discuss Islamabad airport outsourcing 

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has convened a significant meeting in Dubai to address matters pertaining to the outsourcing of Islamabad airport. 

    Sources indicate that the CAA administration has scheduled this meeting for September 26 in Dubai, extending invitations to international companies interested in participating in the outsourcing of the airport. 

    This development follows the federal government’s issuance of tenders, soliciting applications for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport for a duration of 15 years. 

    According to ARY News, the Civil Aviation Authority has stipulated that interested bidders must submit their applications, along with a Rs5,000 fee, in favour of CAA by November 8. 

    Notably, the government recently made the decision to pursue the outsourcing of Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad International Airports, drawing keen interest from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, China, and Saudi Arabia. 

    In response to this decision, CAA unions launched a protest movement, which has persisted despite attempts at negotiation by Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad. 

    The steadfast stance of CAA employees remains unwavering, with a spokesperson for the CAA Union asserting during a media address that the protest movement will persist until their demands are met. 

  • Saudi Arabia enters talks with Tesla for potential manufacturing facility in kingdom

    Saudi Arabia enters talks with Tesla for potential manufacturing facility in kingdom

    Saudi Arabia is engaged in preliminary discussions with the American electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla, regarding the establishment of a manufacturing facility within the kingdom, as reported by The Wall Street Journal

    This development coincides with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s request to Tesla CEO Elon Musk to consider the construction of a vehicle production plant in Turkey. Furthermore, Elon Musk is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in California today.

    To incentivize Tesla, Saudi Arabia has been offering the company access to essential metals and minerals required for electric vehicle production, procured from various nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    This effort aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy away from its dependence on oil. Notably, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund holds a majority stake in Lucid Group, an electric vehicle startup aiming to challenge Tesla’s market dominance.

    One proposal being explored by Saudi Arabia involves extending financial support to Trafigura, a prominent commodities trading company, for a struggling cobalt and copper project in the Congo. 

    This project could potentially serve as a source of crucial supplies for a prospective Tesla factory. Both Tesla and Trafigura have not yet provided responses to Reuters’ inquiries, while Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund, the Public Investment Fund, has declined to comment.

    Elon Musk previously mentioned in May that Tesla was likely to select a location for a new factory by the end of the year. Presently, Tesla operates six factories worldwide and is in the process of constructing a seventh in Mexico as part of its ambitious global expansion strategy. 

    The company’s goal is to achieve annual vehicle sales of 20 million units by 2030, a significant increase from the approximately 1.3 million vehicles sold in 2022.

  • Cracked iPhone 15 Pro’s glass? Here’s how much you’ll pay for repairs 

    Cracked iPhone 15 Pro’s glass? Here’s how much you’ll pay for repairs 

    The Apple iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max now boast a more repair-friendly internal design, featuring a redesigned frame that facilitates easy removal of the back glass panel from the devices. This modification initially debuted with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus last year and has now been extended to this year’s Pro models. 

    At that time, reports indicated that the ability to remove the back glass would likely lead to significantly reduced repair costs for iPhone 15 Pro models with cracked back glass, particularly for customers without AppleCare+ coverage. This information has now been confirmed. 

    As reported by Ian Zelbo, Apple has updated its US website with the repair fees for iPhone 15 models, revealing that it will charge $169 (PKR 51,000) to $199 (PKR 59,000) to repair an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max with back glass damage. In comparison, these fees were set at $499 or $549 for the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max. 

    Read more: Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    These lower fees have also been confirmed by 9to5Mac. Customers who have AppleCare+ coverage for their iPhone can have their back glass damaged for just $29 (PKR 8,600). 

    In the US, Apple’s battery replacement fee remains unchanged at $99 for all four iPhone 15 models, consistent with the pricing for the iPhone 14 series. For additional iPhone 15 repair fees, such as for the rear camera or other types of damage, you can visit Apple’s website. 

  • PM Kakar wants Islamabad and Kabul to collaborate on shared objectives

    PM Kakar wants Islamabad and Kabul to collaborate on shared objectives

    Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, the interim Prime Minister, has urged his Afghan counterpart in a letter to cooperate in order to accomplish shared objectives, The News reported on Monday.

    The letter from PM Kakar to Mullah Muhammad Hasan Akhund, the acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan, comes as tensions between the two nations are rising as a result of an increase in cross-border terror incidents.

    In his letter, PM Kakar said: “Pakistan has close fraternal relations with Afghanistan, as we are neighbours and brothers. Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are rooted in religion, culture, and history.”

    The Premier declared that Kabul and Islamabad will continue to work together to strengthen bilateral, political, security, and economic ties.

    Earlier, Pakistan accused the Afghanistan government of misusing the transit trade agreement.

    “It is important for our customs authorities to ensure that any border trade that takes place complies with the understandings and agreements that exist between Pakistan and Afghanistan and that such commercial activities do not contravene Pakistani laws,” the Foreign Office had said.