Author: newsdesk

  • Nokia’s CEO to visit Pakistan soon, key talks expected on 5G and 6G technology

    Nokia’s CEO to visit Pakistan soon, key talks expected on 5G and 6G technology

    Dr Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, announced that the CEO of Nokia, the Scandinavian cellphone manufacturer, is planning to visit Pakistan. 

    https://twitter.com/umarsaif/status/1699116175018336620?s=20

    This announcement followed a meeting between Dr Umar Saif and Wille Eerola, the Consul General of Pakistan in Finland and Chairman of the Finland-Pakistan Business Council. During their meeting, they discussed mutual interests and increasing IT exports.

    Saif highlighted the significant opportunities for expanding Pakistan’s IT exports in Scandinavian countries. He also mentioned that Nokia is assembling 4G phones in Pakistan and that discussions about 5G and 6G technology would take place during the CEO’s upcoming visit to Pakistan.

    In addition, Wille Eerola extended congratulations to Dr Umar Saif for his appointment as the Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication.

  • ‘Made my day’: Celebs are delighted with Pakistan women’s cricket team win

    ‘Made my day’: Celebs are delighted with Pakistan women’s cricket team win

    Pakistanis were jubilant over their men’s cricket team’s splendid performance against India, however, very little was said about the Pakistani women’s cricket team’s whitewash win against South Africa.

    Female celebrities have risen to the challenge, advocating for more recognition to be given to the team.

    Cricket player Shadab Khan shared a picture of the team, calling for them to be treated with equal respect as the men’s cricket team.

    Actress Urwa Hocane gushed about how the win made her day, and hoped to see more women entering into every field and succeeding the same way.

    “The news made my day! The kind of win I wish to see for #Pakistan everyday in every field regardless of gender, we need our full force! With all that potential our only option is to work harder & win at everything for the world to see!”

    Actress Saba Qamar posted a congratulatory note on her Twitter account for the women’s cricket team.

    Mawra Hocane posted a caption on her Instagram stories where she congratulated the team captain Sidra Amin, and the rest of the women’s cricket team for their fabulous performance.

    Social media users celebrated the powerful performances by cricket players Nida Dar and the rest of the team.

    https://twitter.com/acricketaffair/status/1698956002727506153?s=20

  • Principal rape scandal: is it part of a bigger conspiracy?

    Principal rape scandal: is it part of a bigger conspiracy?

    As stated by the investigating authorities, the police has not been been able to find any victim in the rape scandal of the principal of a private school located in Gulshan-e-Hadeed area of Karachi.

    Jang reports that according to the investigating authorities, the mobile phone of the victim who approached the court yesterday is switched off since yesterday.

    It has been decided by the police to take help from the FIA Cyber Crime Wing for technical support. The DVR of the school and the mobile phone of the principal have been sent to Lahore for forensics.

    Investigating authorities have disclosed that the owner of the CCTV installation company in the school has been detained.

    Moreover, no evidence has been found supporting the culprit’s claim that he was blackmailed by the technician who installed the CCTV.

    Court hearing

    The principal has been remanded to police custody for seven days by the Judicial Magistrate Malir after he was produced before the court on Tuesday.

    Express Tribune reported that the court asked the investigating officer (IO), “Who is Irfan, and has a statement been extracted from the accused?” To which the IO stressed on a thorough inquiry of the suspect and procuring more evidence.

    It has also been revealed that more than 45 women have been identified in connection with the case. Irfan allegedly blackmailed the women in order to commit these crimes.

    The public prosecutor contended that the case is indicative of a planned scheme.

    The IO has requested a forensic analysis of the mobile phone recovered from the accused while the court approved a seven-day physical remand of the principal while also requiring a report from the IO at the next hearing.

    School sealed

    IGM Education System School has been sealed on the order of Additional Director of Registration for Private Institutions in Sindh Professor Rafia Javed. This step was prompted by Provincial Education Minister Madam Rana Hussain. The school was reportedly unregistered.

    The focus at the moment is to ensure the fulfilment of educational interests of the children from this school. Private educational institutions close by have been directed to accommodate the students.

    The process of the admission will be assisted by a five-member committee, established by Professor Rafia, which will work with the parents of the students.

    According to the Express Tribune, the committee is chaired by Abdul Sattar Memon, Director of Private Schools and the Secretary is Gulab Rai, Deputy Director of Private Schools. The committee will be available on September 6, 2023 at 9am at Abdalien School in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Phase II.

    Parents have been urged to reach out to the committee to get their children admission in other schools and ensure that their education is not deferred.

  • Govt aims to ‘reduce power theft of Rs589 billion at the earliest’

    Govt aims to ‘reduce power theft of Rs589 billion at the earliest’

    The caretaker government unveiled a set of measures to tackle power theft nationwide, aiming to reduce the growing circular debt issue in the power sector, which is causing electricity prices to soar. 

    This announcement comes amid widespread protests against high electricity bills, hindered by strict conditions from the International Monetary Fund.

    During a press conference, Caretaker Energy Minister Mohammad Ali, alongside Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, outlined their plan. 

    According to Geo News, Ali said that the government is working on a new law, the electricity theft act, to create enforcement mechanisms and special courts for those involved in theft. This law will be introduced within the next two to three weeks.

    “We are aiming to stop or reduce power theft of Rs589 billion at the earliest,” the minister said.

    In line with Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar’s instructions, the Energy Minister announced a crackdown on power theft, emphasising that consumers shouldn’t pay for theft, and lower electricity prices depend on solving this issue. Ali assured that authorities would act based on available data.

    Additionally, the minister revealed a list of power distribution company officers involved in power theft and measures to take action against them. This list was sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan for possible removal.

    In another meeting, Caretaker PM Kakar stressed the urgency of dealing with power theft, urging regular progress reports. He emphasised zero leniency toward power thieves and defaulters.

    During the meeting, detailed briefings covered the energy sector’s challenges, including total installed capacity, actual generation, and overall energy supply across different seasons.

  • Shah Rukh Khan slammed by right-wingers for visiting Hindu temple ahead of ‘Jawan’ release

    Shah Rukh Khan slammed by right-wingers for visiting Hindu temple ahead of ‘Jawan’ release

    Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was spotted along with his daughter Suhana Khan visiting Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Tirupati on Tuesday to offer prayers and ask for blessings ahead of the release of his action thriller ‘Jawan’.

    The news however was met with backlash from right-wing conservatives on social media. The extreme-right brigade condemned the Bollywood actor for what they said was using religious temples as props for movie promotions. Many accused the ‘Pathaan’ actor of making a mockery of religious places, calling for a ban on Muslim actors visiting Hindu temples.

    “Seriously? Why are we allowing our temples to be used as publicity props by non idolators ?” one user wrote.

    Another wrote:

    “Hindu temples are not places of tourism & publicity stunt. Such gimmicks must stop and Hindus must resist such Nautanki. If you wanna take the blessings of our gods & goddesses then simply accept the Sanatan Dharma & carry on with your Yatra & not Temple Run publicity stunts.”

    However, Bollywood actors have commonly visited temples before film releases to offer prayers for its success. Vicky Kaushal had visited the Siddivinayak temple in June to offer gratitude prayers after his film ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ became a box office success. Akshay Kumar visited BAPS Hindu Mandir in UAE to pray.

    Shah Rukh Khan has been vocal about his secular family, not asking his children to follow Islam or Hinduism.

    “We have never discussed Hindu-Muslim. My wife is Hindu, I am a Muslim and our kids are Hindustan. When they went to school, they had to write their religion. My daughter came to me once and asked ‘what is our religion?’ I simply wrote in her form that we are Indian, we do not have a religion.”

    Many praised the superstar for his massive respect for all religions

    https://twitter.com/srklover1994/status/1698780134101459020?s=20
  • Husband kills wife in front of minor child in Swat

    Husband kills wife in front of minor child in Swat

    A man shot and killed his wife in front of her minor son at Banar Chowk in Mingora, Swat, on Tuesday.

    According to Dawn, the woman, Naila Bibi, had filed a lawsuit seeking divorce from her husband Akhtar Ali, and was going to court along with her son when Ali shot her.

    As per witnesses, Akhtar Ali had been waiting for her to cross Banar Chowk, opening fire as soon as she arrived.
    Naila Bibi died on the spot.

    The news came to light when an extremely distressing picture taken by witnesses made rounds on social media in which the young child can be seen crying beside the bleeding body of his mother.

    The police responded to the incident, arresting the shooter. An FIR has also been registered against Ali, and an investigation has begun.

    The police claim that Naila Bibi was seeking divorce as she suffered domestic violence at the hands of her husband.

  • ‘Impressive, beautiful’: Social media lauds Shehzad Roy for introducing music education at Zindagi Trust school

    ‘Impressive, beautiful’: Social media lauds Shehzad Roy for introducing music education at Zindagi Trust school

    Is there anything Shehzad Roy can’t do? A phenomenal singer, pro at the youthful glow (we’re still convinced he’s a vampire) and a philanthrope working towards changing the education system of Pakistan are just proof that he’s the G.O.A.T.

    Recently the singer wowed social media with a new education initiative at his Zindagi Trust where students from working class families are given the best education. A clip, showing three young students playing violins in the music program of Fatima Jinnah government school, has gone viral.

    “This isn’t an elite private school,” the ‘Laga Re’ singer wrote. “It’s Fatima Jinnah government school adopted by @ZindagiTrust Here V also run a world-class music program in professionally designed studios. Young girls play everything from Beethoven to Eastern classical & there is no fee. We are driving change.”

    The short clip has recieved praise from politicians like Sherry Rehman and other social media users who attended institutions run by Zindagi Trust, confirming that the organisation was making sure their students are well provided for, and are giving them quality education.

    Digital Rights activist Hija Kamran wrote:

    “As an all-time fan of ZindagiTrust, I just want to say that this particular school can easily beat elite private schools based on how it looks, managed and taken care of. I miss the few mornings I spent here for work. Did you know that they also have their own vegetable garden?”

    Another user wrote:

    “I’ve been to the Fatima Jinnah School on two occasions: once to judge an inter-class dramatics competition (in which a Chacha Chakkan rendition was particularly delightful) and once to judge oratory. Roy and his team are doing such good work there—and they keep aiming higher!”

    Social media users lauded how the education initiative continued to take progressive steps that even private schools could not provide, and hoped more schools could introduce arts programs to their students.

  • ‘I am not just hopeful, I am certain’: Kakar on elections

    ‘I am not just hopeful, I am certain’: Kakar on elections

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has confirmed that general elections will be held in the next three to four months, adding that polls are “certain”.

    To a question about his plan of action if the caretaker Prime Minister gets an extension, he told a local TV station that he could see the country going to polls in the next three to four months, The News reported on Wednesday.

    “I think within a few months… a few months can be translated into three, three-and-half or four…that needs to be seen…this will conclude and we will go to the electoral process,” he commented.

    On asking the same question on elections, he replied, “I am not just hopeful; rather, I am certain”.

    He stated that because of the short time, the caretaker government is giving priority to policy matters to make the journey of the future government smoother.

  • This BTS member and his dad silently donated to poor families across South Korea

    This BTS member and his dad silently donated to poor families across South Korea

    Not just a hero on the stage but a hero behind the scenes as well

    BTS’s band member Jimin and his father Park Hyun-soo have been playing an important role in providing groceries for low-income families across South Korea. Since September 2020, Hyun-soo has been using the name ‘Ramyeon Fairy’ to deliver donations in Busan, where he provided at least 100 tuna gift sets and 5,250 boxes of ramyeon to struggling families. He has made a total of eight contributions to households across Nam-gu, which can be valued up to 75.95 million Korean won.

    On August 5, Hyun-Soo visited the Nam-gu district office to donate five million Korean won under his son Jimin’s name and also personally delivered boxes of ramen to the office. An official source shared with the Korean media organisation SBS:

    “[Jimin’s father] asked us to use the items to ensure that no one in need goes hungry. He personally loaded the boxes of instant noodles onto the truck and left them at the district office.”⁠

    Jimin himself is also a charitable icon. In 2021, he donated a 100 million won to polio patients, and then another 100 million won to UNICEF Korea to aid children and families struggling from the earthquakes of Syria and Turkey. Among other donations, the ‘Like Crazy’ star pledged 1200 new desks and chairs to the Busan High School of Arts and then gave away 100 million won to the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education.

    Kindness must be a common quality among the Korean pop band because it’s not just Jimin, but also other members like Namjoon, who aren’t afraid to give back to the community with what they earned. In 2019, on September 12, when the icon turned 25 years old, he donated 100 million Korean won to The Seoul Samsung School, a specialised institute for deaf children, for music education. In June 2020, the group won praise when they donated $1 million to the human rights organisation ‘Black Lives Matter’.

  • Rising debt levels: Pakistan’s national debt surpasses Rs61 trillion

    Rising debt levels: Pakistan’s national debt surpasses Rs61 trillion

    The federal government has witnessed a substantial increase in its total debt, which has surged to nearly Rs62 trillion. This significant escalation is primarily attributed to the government’s strategic borrowing from both domestic and foreign sources, a measure aimed at covering the fiscal deficit.

    According to The News, data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reveals that as of July 2023, the total debt of the government stands at Rs61.75 trillion. This figure reflects a substantial year-on-year increase of 22.11 per cent, compared to Rs50.57 trillion recorded in July 2022. Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, the government’s debt exhibited a 1.49 per cent increase from Rs60.84 trillion in June 2023.

    The surge in the debt burden can be predominantly attributed to the government’s reliance on domestic and foreign borrowing mechanisms to address fiscal deficits.

    Breaking down the composition of the debt, data from the central bank highlights that a significant portion of Rs39.02 trillion is domestically sourced, representing a notable year-on-year growth of 24.08 per cent. This domestic debt comprises Rs29.59 trillion in long-term debt and Rs9.29 trillion in short-term debt. The remaining Rs22.73 trillion is external in nature.

    By the close of July 2023, the government’s long-term debt had escalated by 24.44 per cent year-on-year to Rs29.59 trillion when compared to the figure of Rs23.78 trillion recorded in the same period a year earlier. In parallel, short-term debt exhibited a substantial year-on-year increase of 27.14 per cent as opposed to Rs7.31 trillion in July 2022.