Author: newsdesk

  • Pakistan govt ‘pleased’ to ban Pashtun Tahafuz Movement

    Pakistan govt ‘pleased’ to ban Pashtun Tahafuz Movement

    The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has been banned by the Federal Government and declared as a  ‘proscribed organisation’.

    According to a Notification issued by the Interior Ministry, citing section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 it stated that PTM is a threat to peace and security in the country, and the federal government is putting it in the first schedule.

    The notification read: “Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) is engaged in certain activities which are prejudicial to the peace and security of the country.”

    Human rights activist Manzoor Pashteen launched PTM to address the grievances of Pashtuns, who are the second largest group in Pakistan and mostly live in the northwestern part of the country.

    In Baluchistan, Pashtun are also the next largest group after the Baluch people.

  • World Bank ranks Pakistan in fourth quintile for challenging business environment

    World Bank ranks Pakistan in fourth quintile for challenging business environment

    The World Bank has placed Pakistan in the fourth quintile of economies owing to a challenging business environment caused by weak regulatory frameworks and limited public services, which hinder business operational efficiency.

    The newly released report, “Business Ready (B-READY),” is a data collection and analysis project to assess the global business and investment climate. This annual report replaces and improves upon the previous “Doing Business” project, with the first edition of B-READY covering 50 economies.

    B-READY is currently in a three-year rollout phase, from 2024 to 2026, during which the project will expand its geographic coverage and refine its methods. The 2024 report is the first of three in this rollout phase.

    Pakistan scored 65.90 in operational efficiency, placing it in the third quintile, indicating a mixed performance in its business environment.

    The report highlighted that eight economies—Botswana, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lesotho, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, and the Seychelles—ranked in the top quintile for at least one topic. Meanwhile, Hungary and Singapore scored in the top quintile across eight topics.

  • Gold price drops by Rs700 to Rs275,500 per tola

    Gold price drops by Rs700 to Rs275,500 per tola

    The gold price in Pakistan declined on sixth trading day of the week after a drop in the international bullion rates.

    According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of the yellow metal on Saturday was recorded Rs700 per tola down from yesterday’s Rs276,200 per tola.

    Keeping in view the latest rates released by the association, the price for 24-karat gold was recorded at Rs275,500 per tola in local gold market.

    The price for ten gramme gold was reported about Rs600 down at Rs236,197.

    It is worth noting that the price for one tola gold was seen at an all-time high of Rs277,000 per tola in the previous week.

    One again, the price for silver remained unchanged in Pakistan at Rs3.050 for one tola.

    On the global front, the price of gold droppped by $7 to $2,653 per ounce. This price also includes a premium of $20.

  • Israel issues first Gaza evacuation warning in weeks

    Israel issues first Gaza evacuation warning in weeks

    The Israeli army warned residents to evacuate part of central Gaza on Saturday, saying the military was preparing to use “great force” against Hamas fighters in the area.

    The evacuation call is the first in weeks for Gaza as the Israeli military has largely shifted its focus to fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon.

    “Hamas and the terrorist organisations continue their terrorist activities within your area and, as a result, the IDF (military) will act with great force against these elements,” the evacuation order posted by the Israeli army said, with an attached map listing the blocks to be evacuated.

    Palestinians living in areas near the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza have been warned to evacuate under the latest order posted on X.

    Israel has destroyed large swathes of Gaza since Hamas’s October 7 attack last year, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly pledging to secure total victory over the militants.

    A year later, the confirmed death toll from the Hamas attack — including hostages killed in captivity — has reached 1,205 on the Israeli side, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

    Hamas abducted 251 hostages during the attack, 97 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military has said are dead.

    In Gaza, nearly all of its 2.4 million residents have been displaced at least once.

    At least 41,825 people have been killed, most of them women or children, according to the territory’s health ministry. The United Nations has acknowledged the figures as reliable.

    The Israeli military has often returned to areas where it has previously conducted operations.

  • Shagufta Ejaz’s late husband had the most romantic words for her

    Shagufta Ejaz’s late husband had the most romantic words for her

    Senior actress Shagufta Ejaz has shared the last interview of her late husband, filmmaker Yahya Siddiqui, on her YouTube channel.

    Last month, Yahya Siddiqui passed away after battling cancer for five years.

    During the interview, she asked her husband different questions about his past, his likes and dislikes, and various other topics.

    “What was the best and most beautiful period of your life,” she asked, to which Siddiqui replied, “I have lived the best life by the grace of Allah, that’s why I enjoyed my whole life.”

    She then asked, “What would you do if you got another life?” He answered, “I would look for Shagufta Ejaz in my second life as well.” To this romantic reply, she said, “I’ve asked a serious question, so give a serious answer.”

    “This is my serious answer,” he smilingly said.Short clips from Yahya Siddiqui’s last interview are now going viral on various social media platforms.

    In the comments on these viral clips, users are praying for the forgiveness of the deceased.

    Shagufta Ejaz married Yahya Siddiqui a few years ago; this was their second marriage.

  • Father hangs himself and three children in Umerkot

    Father hangs himself and three children in Umerkot

    The bodies of a man and his three children were found hanging from trees in Umerkot, Sindh.

    ARY News reported that the police said the bodies were found by Bhodar Farm police in a mango orchard.

    “The deceased have been identified as Chaman Kolhi 32, a resident of Kunri, and his three children,” the police confirmed.

    As per the initial investigation, Chaman Kolhi allegedly committed suicide with his three children because of domestic problems.

    Chairman of the Human Rights Council of Pakistan, Jamshed Hussain, shared the picture of the hanging bodies and posted, “A father of three committed suicide along with the children because of poverty.”

    The police told the media that the bodies of the man and the children were removed and shifted to a local hospital.

  • Watch: Hamza Ali Abbasi transforms into a street fighter in ‘Faraar’ teaser

    Watch: Hamza Ali Abbasi transforms into a street fighter in ‘Faraar’ teaser

    The teaser of Hamza Ali Abbasi’s new drama ‘Faraar’ has just been released, offering an electrifying glimpse into what promises to be an action-packed drama from Green Entertainment.

    Hamza Ali Abbasi plays the character of Batish who breaks rules and thrives in chaos, always staying ahead of the game.

    The teaser shows the fear that hides in the dark corners of the city with thrilling action scenes.

    The drama is written by Mustafa Afridi, directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and produced by Next Level Entertainment.

    Faraar’s cast includes Haroon Shahid, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Sohai Ali Abro and Danyal Zafar

  • The first-ever Indian designer Diwali doll is here

    The first-ever Indian designer Diwali doll is here

    Indian designer Anita Dongre has eevealed a Diwali-themed Barbie doll on Friday, dressed in a custom lehenga choli, and it looks stunning.

    Diwali will be celebrated this year from October 31 to November 1.

    “To celebrate the Festival of Lights, our Barbie® Diwali doll is wearing the Moonlight Bloom set,” said Dongre in her caption. The brand described the outfit as a “modern twist on the traditional lehenga,” paired with a “Rajasthan-inspired vest, featuring nature-inspired motifs.”

    The doll also wears a bindi, chunky gold earrings, and gold heels.

    “We’re excited and honored to represent the fashion-forward modern Indian woman on Barbie, an iconic global fashion symbol for decades,” said Dongre.

    The official Barbie page also shared the news along with additional photos of the doll.

    “I love that Barbie is celebrating Diwali,” the designer told Vogue India. “The festival is now celebrated on a large scale, especially within the Indian diaspora.”

    “In honor of Diwali, Barbie and I encourage fans worldwide to celebrate Indian fashion and culture,” she added. “My brand has always focused on empowering through fashion, and partnering with Barbie, the ultimate symbol of women’s empowerment, is a perfect match for our values.”

    While some might wish for a bit more sparkle on the Diwali Barbie, it’s still a super cute doll! It’s available for $40 on the Mattel website.

  • Beauty Meets Connectivity: Nutrifactor and Jazz Offer 1GB of Data with Every Biotin Plus Purchase

    Beauty Meets Connectivity: Nutrifactor and Jazz Offer 1GB of Data with Every Biotin Plus Purchase

    Recent internet disruptions have sparked significant discussion in the Pakistani media, with Reddit users joining in. One thread stood out, featuring a user expressing genuine concern about the internet malfunction and seeking an explanation. The comment section of the thread was a whirlwind of remarks. While some Redditors resorted to providing technical explanations, others openly delved into political discussions, and some were just disappointed that they couldn’t check the price of Layers Cake.

    Whatever might be the reason behind this disruption, it did establish that the common man in Pakistan is becoming more digital and wants the internet for his day-to-day activities. Just a decade ago internet was a luxury, reserved for those who could pay for it. But time has changed as telecommunication companies have led a digital revolution that has provided easy, cost-effective internet to the common man. One such company is Jazz which has been transforming the digital landscape of Pakistan. Jazz has been a trailblazer in transforming Pakistan’s digital landscape. Being the pioneer of SMS services in the country, it has been leading the digital revolution in Pakistan. Staying true to its motto, “Dunya ko bata do,” Jazz is dedicated to empowering every Pakistani to become a digital citizen.

    Nutrifactor, a household name in the nutraceutical industry, shares Jazz’s vision and commitment to enhancing the lives of its consumers. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, it has teamed up with Jazz, Pakistan’s foremost digital and telecommunications provider. This exciting collaboration offers customers 1 GB of mobile data with the purchase of Nutrifactor’s Biotin Plus, creating a blend of beauty and connectivity that’s hard to resist.

    With Nutrifactor’s Biotin Plus, achieving lustrous hair is within reach—and now there’s an added bonus. A small sticker on the bottle can be scratched off to reveal a code. This code can be texted to 7115102, allowing customers to receive 1 GB of mobile data.

    Nutrifactor and Jazz provide an enchanting mix of beauty and connectivity that’s truly captivating.

  • Social media can’t stop laughing at Maleeka Bokhari calling Imran Khan ‘abba’

    Social media can’t stop laughing at Maleeka Bokhari calling Imran Khan ‘abba’

    Netizens took a jab at Barrister Maleeka Ali Bokhari for a post in which she wished a happy  birthday to the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, on X (formerly Twitter).

    The former Prime Minister is celebrating his 72nd birthday in Adiala jail, Rawalpindi.

    Former Member National Assembly (MNA) Maleek Ali Bokhari took to X (formerly Twitter) to post, “Happy birthday to our abba, my inspiration and leader who taught me to dream big, fight injustices & be proud of my identity. May Allah always protect you and give you a long life. Ameen.”

    One user wrote: “how abba.”

    Another user wrote, “Please leader ko leader rehny dain, abba mat banayein.

    And one online user expressed, “Please correct the system’s abba.”

    In a emotional way, a PTI affiliated account replied, “Happy Birthday father of the nation. Our superstar”