Author: newsdesk

  • Pakistan to import 100,000 tonnes of sugar from Brazil due to high prices, shortage

    Pakistan to import 100,000 tonnes of sugar from Brazil due to high prices, shortage

    With the price of sugar skyrocketing in the market, aided by the exploitative practices of the sugar mill cartel, and the commodity facing scarcity, a decision has been reached to import 100,000 metric tonnes of sugar from Brazil.

    The Trading Corporation of Pakistan has formally communicated its intention to procure sugar from the South American nation. This comes as a reversal of trends, considering that sugar had been exported back in June; however, preparations are now underway for its import in September.

    Nevertheless, there are concerns that the price of sugar might surge further in the market following its import. It is anticipated that sugar could reach a staggering Rs200 per kilogramme.

    Insider sources have disclosed that the country is grappling with a significant shortage of sugar after its previous export. In November 2022, sugar was priced at Rs91, but following its export, the price catapulted to Rs180. The impending import of 100,000 metric tonnes is feared to exacerbate the price increase.

    Speaking on the issue, Food Secretary Zaman Wattoo revealed that the recent surge in sugar prices has collectively burdened the masses with an additional cost of Rs47 billion.

    Meanwhile, the price of sugar persistently climbs, now touching the Rs170 per kilogramme mark in the retail sector. Over a span of just four days, the price has gradually escalated by Rs10 per kilogramme.

    At the wholesale level, sugar is valued at Rs16,400 per 100 kilogrammes. Different sugar mills are offering rates ranging from Rs15,800 to Rs16,600 per 100 kilogrammes.

    According to Samaa, despite the ongoing dynamics, there is still no officially defined market rate for sugar, leaving room for potential further spikes in pricing. Furthermore, considering the current market conditions, the export of sugar has been placed under a temporary prohibition.

  • President Alvi ko chahiye mazeed salary

    President Alvi ko chahiye mazeed salary

    President Dr Arif Alvi is seeking an increase in his salary. Official documents show that the president has asked for two raises, first with effect from July 1, 2021 and second with effect from July 1, 2023, as per Geo News.

    Currently, the president draws a monthly salary of Rs 846,550 and wants a two-step raise to Rs 1,024,325 and Rs 1,229,190 per month with effect from July 2021 and July 2023 respectively.

    In a letter written to the Secretary Cabinet through his Military Secretary earlier this month, the President’s Secretariat has desired amendment in the Fourth Schedule of President’s Salary Allowances and Privileges (Amendment) Act, 2018 to allow the president’s salary, a) Rs 1,024,325 per month with effect from July 1, 2021, and b) Rs 1,229,190 per month with effect from July 1, 2023.

    The letter stated, “In Pursuance of para 3(2) of President’s Salary, Allowances and Privileges (Amendment) Act 2018, published in the Gazette Notification (Part I), the remuneration of the President shall be a symbolic one rupee higher than the salary of any holder of Public Office in relation to affairs of the Federation. Accordingly, pay of the honorable President was fixed at Rs 846,550/- per month in 2018 as reflected in the Fourth Schedule of the Act ibid.”

    The letter further pointed out that the salary of the Chief Justice of Pakistan being a holder of Public Office was increased twice in the last 2 years through Presidential Orders. Pay of Chief Justice of Pakistan was fixed at Rs 1,024,324/ per month w.e.f 01 July 2021 and subsequently at Rs 1,229,189/ per month w.e.f. 01 July 2023. As per the rules, the salary of the President was not enhanced in relation to the laid down principle of one rupee higher than the salary of any holder of public office i.e. Chief Justice of Pakistan.

    On the basis of the above, the Presidency sought changes in the Fourth Schedule of President’s Salary Allowances and Privileges (Amendment) Act 2018 accordingly.

    The Cabinet Division referred the case to the Law Ministry, which on August 18 advised the former to process the case for a raise in Alvi’s salary.

    The Law Ministry stated, “The Federal Government by virtue of section 3(2) of the same Act has the power to amend that Schedule by way of a notification in the official gazette henceforth in relation to the issue at hand the Federal Government is competent to amend the Fourth Schedule by way of gazette notification and no amendment in the Fourth Schedule is required via an amending Act to effectuate a revision in the salary of the President.”

    The matter was also referred to the Finance Division, which on August 22 also supported the proposed increase in the salary of the president through amendment in the Fourth Schedule of the President (Salary, Allowances & Privileges) Act, 1975.

    The matter is expected to be presented before the cabinet for approval. The president, besides getting the desired increases, will also get a hefty amount as arrears as the two-step raises will be allowed with effect from July 2021 and July 2023 respectively.

  • Arshad Nadeem appeals for better training facilities in Pakistan

    Arshad Nadeem appeals for better training facilities in Pakistan

    Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem arrived back in Pakistan on Monday night from Budapest, where he won a silver medal in the athletics championship in Hungary.

    Nadeem become the first-ever Pakistani to win a silver medal in an athletics championship, missing the gold medal by just 35cm (centimeters). He threw the javelin 87.82 meters to claim the second spot in the championship.

    On his arrival, Arshad Nadeem said that better training facilities should be built around the nation.

    “There isn’t a single stadium in Pakistan where we can train. To achieve victory for Pakistan, we require better training facilities and support,” he said, adding that if given the necessary resources, he might win gold at the Olympics in Paris.

    Under the condition of anonymity, one of Arshad’s doctors stated that even though the Pakistan Sports Board had set up a training camp for him prior to the world championships, his daily meal allotment was only Rs850.

    Read More: ‘Happy that a Pakistani won’: Saroj Devi, Neeraj Chopra’s mother

    Arshad, however, has battled difficulties and triumphed through hardship to become a sensation on the global stage. His first international tournament after recovering from an elbow surgery took place at the World Championships.

    He remarked, “I’m grateful to everyone for their support and prayers for my accomplishment. I also want to express my gratitude to the Pakistan Sports Board and the Athletics Federation of Pakistan for their gracious assistance with the event’s planning.”

  • Eras tour in Karachi? Twitter hilariously reimagines Taylor Swift’s visit to Pakistan

    Eras tour in Karachi? Twitter hilariously reimagines Taylor Swift’s visit to Pakistan

    Taylor Swift is taking her super successful Eras tour around the globe, with four sold out shows in Mexico City while more will follow in Germany, Singapore, Japan and other countries.

    As usual hum Pakistanis were left out of the planning. So X user Yusra Amjad imagined a hilarious twist on how everything would pan out if the Eras tour came to Karachi.

    “The only place in Pakistan that the Eras Tour could take place is the National Stadium in Karachi, btw. It has a capacity of 50k (Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is 29k only),” the poet wrote.

    There were some witty responses with people imagining how the concert in Karachi would turn out.

    OUR WORST NIGHTMARE

    Maybe Karsaz ki dulhan can give her some company?

    Lahore na lana concert none of us can wait for the surprise songs while stuck in traffic on Liberty Chowk

    Either ways guys, livestreams par dehaan rakho. Koi aisa waisay khwaab sach nahi ajatay.

  • Cipher Case: Imran Khan to remain behind bars till September 13

    Cipher Case: Imran Khan to remain behind bars till September 13

    A special court has extended the judicial remand of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan under the official secret act till September 13 in the cipher case. He will remain in jail until September 13, Geo has reported.

    Today’s hearing, conducted in Attock Jail, was headed by Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain. Due to security concerns expressed by the Interior Ministry, the hearing took place at the jail.

    Imran Khan has been imprisoned in the Attock jail since August 5. However, on Tuesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) overturned the decision of a lower court to jail Imran Khan for three years.

    According to the report in Geo News, Imran Khan’s five-member legal team including Naeem Haider Panjotha, Salman Safdar, Intizar Panjotha, Ali Ijaz Buttar, and Umair Niazi also attended the hearing.

    On the other hand, a special court extended the judicial remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case for 14 days.

    The FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) detained Qureshi earlier this month after receiving a complaint from Interior Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar alleging violations of Sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act of 1923, r/w 34 PP.

    “Consequent upon the conclusion of the enquiry No. 111/2023 dated 05.10.2022, registered in the CTW, FIA Islamabad, it transpired that former prime minister namely Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi, former foreign minister namely Shah Mahmood Qureshi and their other associates are involved in communications of information contained in secret classified document (Cipher Telegram received from Parep. Washington dated 7th March, 2022 to Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to the unauthorised person (i.e. public at large) by twisting the facts to achieve their ulterior motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state security,” the FIR stated.

  • Pakistani citizen goes missing in Jeddah

    Pakistani citizen goes missing in Jeddah

    Pakistani citizen and UK resident Syed Hussain Ali has gone missing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on August 28 while on a transit visa in the Kingdom.

    Ali’s father Syed Asim Ali told The Friday Times that he wrote a letter to the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan and requested caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar to probe into his son’s disappearance.

    Hussain departed from Lahore on Monday 28 August at 11:40am on Saudi Airlines SV735. He landed in Jeddah at 14:50 pm, local time.

    Hussain had an eighteen hour transit and obtained a visa at the airport to perform Umrah.

    He messaged via WhatsApp using the Wi-Fi of a restaurant and then travelled to Mecca to perform Umrah. He then talked to his parents via Messenger video call from McDonald’s restaurant opposite Haram. This, according to the father, was his last communication, between 12:30-1:00 am.

    Hussain wanted to spend a couple of more hours in the Holy Mosque before his flight from Jeddah to London which was scheduled for 9:05 am.

    According to the father, Hussain was only carrying his laptop, phone, wallet and a change of clothing in his laptop bag.
    “He had only $100 on him and the rest of the expenditures he would pay using his debit and credit card,” Asim said.
    Hussain never boarded his flight to London.

    Asim noted that “Normally he is very communicative. It is very unlike him to not be in touch especially when he may know that we are waiting to hear from him,”

    In the letter to the officials, Asim requested to file a missing persons report.

    However, Properganda has commented under the Instagram news of the disappearance that Hussain has been found. That comment, however, is no longer posted.

  • IMF demands detailed electricity bill relief plan from Pakistan amid nationwide unrest

    IMF demands detailed electricity bill relief plan from Pakistan amid nationwide unrest

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to provide a written plan for relief in electricity bills amidst ongoing nationwide protests. 

    The caretaker government’s decision to seek approval from the IMF before announcing any consumer relief led to a federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, chaired by interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar. 

    Despite discussing options, the meeting concluded without unveiling any measures. The Power Division had shared proposals with authorities, but the strict conditions of the IMF loan necessitated involving the lender first. 

    Pakistan’s $3 billion loan agreement with the IMF in July involved adhering to stringent financial discipline. The current surge in electricity rates, approved by the previous government, is reflected in bills. 

    According to Geo, Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar held a virtual meeting with IMF representative Esther Perez, discussing relief measures and the ongoing protests. While the Pakistani team submitted various relief proposals, the IMF officials requested a written plan, expected to be shared soon. 

    Additionally, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) engaged with the IMF on tax collection in July, with plans for further discussions in the coming days. 

  • Pakistan mein ‘Super Blue Moon’ kis waqt daikhein?

    Pakistan mein ‘Super Blue Moon’ kis waqt daikhein?

    Once in a blue moon is going to be a reality tonight. On the night of August 31, a celestial spectacle known as the ‘Blue Moon’ will captivate astro enthusiasts around the world. Despite its name, this unique event won’t unveil a blue-hued moon; instead, it will radiate a captivating shade of orange.

    The Super Blue Moon Experience

    During this event, the Super Blue Moon will be slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon. Supermoons shine about 40 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than regular full moons. While the size difference may not be discernible to the naked eye, binoculars can enhance the view of this captivating phenomenon.

    When and How to Observe the Super Blue Moon

    In Pakistan, the spectacular view of the Super Blue Moon can be seen from 6:25 AM PKT till 6:40 AM. The moon will be full at 6:35 AM PKT.

    European viewers will have an extended opportunity to witness the moonrise, providing an additional chance to catch a glimpse of this celestial event. In London, the moon will rise at 8:08 PM BST. For those in New York, moonrise is set for 7:45 PM EDT, followed by moonset at 7:33 PM EDT, with the full moon radiating its brilliance at 8:37 PM EDT.

    In Los Angeles, both moonrise and sunset are scheduled for 7:36 PM PDT, and the full moon will grace the sky at 5:37 PM PDT. London residents can experience the Blue Moon at 7:52 PM BST during sunset and 8:24 PM BST, with the full moon’s appearance at 1:37 AM BST.

    Understanding the Blue Moon Phenomenon

    A Blue Moon is an extraordinary astronomical event that occurs when a supermoon or full Moon coincides with a perigee—when the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit.

    While Blue Moons aren’t exceedingly rare occurrences, they remain intriguing phenomena in the world of astronomy. The most recent Blue Moon graced the skies in August 2021, as reported by Space.com. With the average lunar cycle spanning approximately 29.5 days, a year typically accommodates 12 lunar cycles, totaling 354 days. As a result, roughly every 2.5 years, a thirteenth full moon emerges within a given year.

    This upcoming event, the super blue moon, marks the final chapter of a four-part lunar sequence and is anticipated to be the third-largest moon visible throughout this year. It’s important to note that the term “blue moon” has no connection to the moon’s color; it merely signifies the occurrence of two full moons within a single calendar month.

    How rare is a blue supermoon?

    According to NASA, the blue supermoons are a very rare phenomenon. It mentions that these moons often only appear once every ten years due to astronomical conditions. But occasionally, the interval between blue supermoons can be as long as twenty years. While blue moons only account for 3% of full moons, supermoons account for around 25% of all full moons. Although the interval between super blue moons is highly erratic—it can be as long as 20 years—the average is often 10 years. The following super blue moons will take place in pairs in 2037, in January and March.

  • Cops who shot at Arshad Sharif rejoin Kenyan police without accountability

    Cops who shot at Arshad Sharif rejoin Kenyan police without accountability

    Geo news has been investigating journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder case. In their latest update, Geo has revealed that the five Kenyan police officers involved in the killing have resumed duties without any action taken against them.

    A security source also told Geo that the two of the shooters have been promoted to senior ranks.

    Kenya’s Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA), investigating the conduct of police officers and after Sahir’s murder, had assured authorities of giving updates on Sharif’s murder within weeks but more than nine months later, no findings have been made public.

    IPOA had said in a statement that “We shall give an update on the matter once we are done with the investigations”.

    The authority’s spokesperson neither provided a timeframe nor responded as to why the watchdog has taken so long and why the police officers have been absolved of any accountability.

    Geo further reported that IPOA had submitted its file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) but it was returned back and gaps were asked to be filled before the prosecution began.

    According to a Geo News, “Investigations into the murder of the journalist seem to have gone silent in the East African country”.

    A police officer attached to the General Service Unit (GSU), Kevin Kimuyu Mutuku, was allegedly shot at the time of Sharif’s killing.

    The police officer rejoined work right after he was discharged from hospital. He has claimed that was shot and wounded when bullets were fired from inside Sharif’s vehicle but the forensic investigation showed he was lying.

    Geo reports that a trusted Kenyan intelligence source, who chooses to remain anonymous, said that the National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya had slackened on Sharif’s investigation because “it involved its members and the body allowed to carry out such investigations was IPOA”.

    “The police cannot investigate themselves and for that matter IPOA is expected to issue their findings. However, the police also have their own file on the same matter just in case,” said the investigator who has internal details of the matter.

    According to Kenya’s Human Rights Commission member Martin Mavenjina, “Unfortunately, Kenya does not have a law that gives police officers timeliness whenever they are doing an investigation. When Arshad Sharif died things looked promising that the police would take action and would find facts — until they just came to a halt and everything went silent from the Kenyan side,” he said.

    Geo investigations have also found that the police has conducted a parallel investigation of Arshad Sharif’s murder case but the findings are yet to be made public.

    “The police investigations are on hold for now,” said Kennedy Kirwai, the investigating officer in the case.

    The case is being pursued back in Pakistan too. Sharif’s family has asked the former Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Siddiqui to take up their case.

    The advocates say that Kenya is cordial with Pakistan but the Kenyan authorities have not been cooperative in the investigations.
    “I have no doubt in my mind that Kenyan Police were privy to this planned murder. It is so painful for the family of Arshad Sharif that even those officials who played the role of hired assassins have been let free and brought back to their ranks. Unfortunately, due to non-cooperation and having over the two suspects of Pakistani origin, investigation of the case has badly been jeopardised. In my opinion, now is the time for the Govt of Pakistan to take up the matter with the United Nations (UN),” said Siddiqui.

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is set to visit Kenya next month at the invitation of Kenyan President Dr William Samoei Ruto. He will be accompanied by Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and other cabinet members and advisors.

  • Nadia Afghan, Nadia Jamil slam ‘disgusting’ dialogue from ‘Hadsa’

    Nadia Afghan, Nadia Jamil slam ‘disgusting’ dialogue from ‘Hadsa’

    Trigger warning: mention of rape, violence

    After the controversial drama ‘Hadsa’ was slammed by social media users for allegedly depicting without consent the ordeal of the motorway rape case that happened in 2020, several social media users slammed lead actress Hadiqa Kiani for her ‘tone-deaf’ statement, as well as writer Zanjabeel Asim Shah, and demanded that PEMRA take down the show.

    Now, a controversial dialogue from the drama has made rounds on social media, where the main character, Taskeen, can be heard saying “Jaisay murday ke jism mein rooh waapis nahi aati..waisay hee khoi hui izzat waapis nahi aati.” The clip was shared by Geo’s official Instagram account, as can be seen below.

    The dialogue was spoken in episode 5, after Taskeen is recovering in the hospital from her wounds after the violence.

    The controversial dialogue has launched more uproar on social media, with users demanding to know how it got approved by Hadiqa, who’s repertoire includes feminist dramas that empowered women.

    Activist Leena Ghani pointed out:

    ‘What excuse is Hadiqa Kiani going to give us now? That she didn’t read the dialogues? Was she forced to say ‘Khoi huwi izzat..’ Izzat victims nahi hotey balkay rapists ki koi izzat nahi hoti. Is this how @harpalgeotv wants to spread awareness by victim blaming and gaslighting survivors of sexual abuse? Why doesn’t anyone in the industry have a backbone and why can’t they ever do the right thing?”

    Actress Nadia Jamil slammed the dialogue as “disgusting”, and said no survivor of rape has her honor robbed.

    “Firstly NO HONOUR OF MINE WAS ROBBED WHEN I WAS RAPED. NO HONOUR OF ANY RAPE SURVIVOR IS ROBBED. THOSE WHO RAPED HAD AND HAVE NO HONOUR. THEY are the ones who should feel and be in shame. Not the victim.”

    The actress called out PEMRA and GEO for encouraging the ugly narrative of shame that would further marginalise survivors of rape, and said it took her years of therapy and coaching to come to a place where she herself- as a survivor of child abuse- could not feel ashamed about her trama.

    “The narrative of SHAME that is dumped on rape survivors is horrible. It’s a burden we carry through our lives. It took me years of therapy, prayer and coaching to come to a place of solid self worth and self respect within myself. Today movements like #notmyshame Shatter the Shame that survivors of abuse and rape have carried. Allowing us to belong to a tribe that recognises, the shame was never ours to carry, or suffer, to begin with. People like @ejtayloruk work hard to build a community where survivors feel empowered and safe. Please do not encourage this ugly narrative of shame for survivors @GeoTvNews @reportpemra you have a responsibility that comes with your power. Many men and women watching this may have been raped and it’s the last thing they need to hear AND it’s a lie.”

    Nadia Afghan also criticised content heads for their “insensitive and callous” approach towards sensitive topics like rape, and their only motive is to make more money out of it, saying that she was “disgusted and heartbroken.”