Author: newsdesk

  • ‘Sach chupta nahi hai’: Alizeh Shah responds to Minsa Malik’s FIR

    ‘Sach chupta nahi hai’: Alizeh Shah responds to Minsa Malik’s FIR

    Actress Alizeh Shah has responded to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Minsa Malik, addressing the allegations in a detailed post by blogger Ayesha Jahangir Malik on her Instagram stories, debunking the version of events narrated by Malik.

    According to Ayesha, Malik slapped Alizeh first and accused her of misconduct.

    “…In reality this other woman slapped Alizeh first and initiated physical violence breaking all and any professionalism on set.”

    The post also mentioned that despite the claim made by Minsa, footage exists of evidence that Alizeh began the conflict, while crew members sided with the ‘Tanaa Banna’ actress had been professionalism and kept work ethic in check despite being assaulted:

    “The crew, fellow artists and everyone involved is on Alizeh’s side because the incident occurred around 6 pm and Alizeh did not even leave the set till 12 am after she completed her shoot even after being humiliated and assaulted infront of everyone and that speaks volumes of her work ethic.”

    Actress Minsa Malik has filed an FIR against Alizeh Shah, accusing her of abuse and misbehavior during a shoot.

    According to multiple news outlets, the FIR was filed in Islamabad on August 15, with Malik requesting authorities to provide her with security.

    Speaking to Samaa, Malik revealed that an accident occurred during filming of a scene for an upcoming drama. She stated that Alizeh was unprofessional towards her since the day they started shooting, nagging her in a variety of ways, describing her behaviour as a case of “professional jealousy.”

    “The camera was rolling, and I was in the scene. Alizeh Shah was also present, and she was clearly high on drugs. She approached me and threw a marijuana cigarette at me. I moved back to avoid her, and in reaction, I slapped her. She then started acting violently. She used abusive language and tore her own clothes while yelling.”

    “Alizeh Shah tried to throw her sandal at me, but I moved out of the way. She was completely high when she misbehaved. The camera shooting the scenes also captured the video of us during the chaos. Alizeh insisted that the video should not get out, as it would be the ultimate source of her defamation.”

    We will update this article after we receive a statement from Alizeh Shah or her team.

  • Arijit Singh beats Taylor Swift to become third most followed artist on Spotify

    Arijit Singh beats Taylor Swift to become third most followed artist on Spotify

    Indian singer Arijit Singh has surpassed global superstars like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish to become the third most followed artist on Spotify. The musical prodigy, who rose to fame with songs like ‘Agar Tum Saath Ho’ and ‘Channa Meraya’, has a total of 86 million followers on his Spotify page.

    Taylor currently has 83 million followers, making her the fourth most followed artist on the music streaming platform.

    According to chart masters, the most popular artists among the top five on Spotify include Ed Sheeran, pop singer Ariana Grande, Arijit Singh, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.

  • Imran booked under Official Secrets Act in cipher case

    Imran booked under Official Secrets Act in cipher case

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been booked under Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act 1923 by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Geo News has reported.  

    Alleging that as Prime Minister, Khan deliberately got involved in using the classified document fraudulently, the FIA registered the case against Imran Khan. Last year in April, Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly (NA).

    Government sources told Geo News on Thursday that Imran Khan has been booked under Section 5. However, authorities were not sharing a copy of the FIR.

    The punishment in this case is imprisonment for two to 14 years, or even a death sentence in some cases.

    According to Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act 1923: “(1) If any person having in his possession or control any secret official code or password or any sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information which relates to or is used in a prohibited place or relates to anything in such a place, or which has been made or obtained in contravention of this Act, or which has been entrusted in confidence to him by any person holding office under [Government], or which he has obtained or to which he has had access owing to his position as a person who holds or has held office under [Government], or as a person who holds or has held a contract made on behalf of [Government], or as a person who is or has been employed under a person who holds or has held such an office or contract —

    a) wilfully communicates the code or password, sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information to any person other than a person to whom he is authorised to communicate it, or a Court of Justice or a person to whom it is, in the interests of the State, his duty to communicate it; or
    b) uses the information in his possession for the benefit of any foreign power or in any other manner prejudicial to the safety of the State; or c) retains the sketch, plan, model, article, note or document in his possession or control when he has no right to retain it, or when it is contrary to his duty to retain it, or wilfully fails to comply with all directions issued by lawful authority with regard to the return or disposal thereof;
    d) fails to take reasonable care of, or so conducts himself as to endanger the safety of, the sketch, plan, model, article, note, document, secret official code or password or information;

    He shall be guilty of an offence under this section.

    (2) If any person voluntarily receives any secret official code or password or any sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information knowing or having reasonable ground to believe, at the time when he receives it, that the code, password, sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information is communicated in contravention of this Act, he shall be guilty of an offence under this section.

    (3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be punishable, (a) where the offence committed is a contravention of clause (a) of sub-section (1) and intended or calculated to be, directly or indirectly, in the interest or for the benefit of a foreign power, or is in relation to any work of defence, arsenal, naval, military or air force establishment or station, mine, mine-field, factory, dockyard, camp, ship or aircraft or otherwise in relation to the naval, military or air force affairs of Pakistan or in relation to any secret official code, [with death, or] with imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years; and (b) in any other case, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.”

    The cipher case against the former premier took a turn after his former principal secretary Azam Khan stated before a magistrate as well as the FIA that the former PM had used the US cipher for ‘political gains’ and to avert a vote of no-confidence against him.

    Azam Khan also stated that he told Imran Khan not to proceed with using the cipher. However, in response, Imran Khan said that the classified document can be used to divert the public’s attention towards “foreign involvement” in the opposition’s no-confidence motion.

  • SBP-held forex reserves rise by $12 million to $8.05 billion, sufficient to cover over two months’ worth of imports

    SBP-held forex reserves rise by $12 million to $8.05 billion, sufficient to cover over two months’ worth of imports

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced a rise of $12 million in its foreign exchange reserves, reaching $8.05 billion, as detailed in a statement released on Thursday. The nation’s overall liquid foreign reserves, encompassing both SBP and commercial banks, amounted to $13.379 billion as of August 11. Among these, commercial banks held net reserves totaling $5.3237 billion, as reported by the SBP.

    While the central bank did not provide specifics on the cause behind the augmentation of foreign exchange reserves, the situation presents an upbeat stance. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the existing reserves would barely cover imports for a span slightly exceeding two months.

    Notably, the previous month saw a notable escalation in SBP reserves due to inflows from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following the formalisation of a $3 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) with the global financial institution.

    According to Geo, in a departure from market predictions, the SBP opted to maintain the key policy rate at 22 per cent during the preceding month. This stance diverged from expectations, particularly those guided by IMF recommendations. SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed conveyed this decision following a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. Explaining the rationale, he stated that given the decline in inflation, there was no inclination to increase the interest rate.

    During a press conference, Governor Ahmed also shared insights into the nation’s economic trajectory. He projected a growth rate ranging from 2 per cent to 3 per cent for the upcoming year. Highlighting the government’s actions, he mentioned the complete removal of import restrictions. This move, coupled with financial inflows from the IMF and other supportive nations, led to a $4.2 billion upswing in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves in July.

  • Jannat Say Aagay is a story of envy and inspiration

    Har Pal Geo TV is airing the new drama serial Jannat Say Aagay, starring Talha Chahour, Kubra Khan, Ramsha Khan and Gohar Rasheed. Haseeb Hassan is the author and director of what is turning out to be a complex love story.

    ‘Jannat say aagay’ is about a morning show host Jannat Khan, played by Kubra Khan. The other main character is Tabbasum (Ramsha Khan), a fan inspired by Jannat’s success.

    Jannat hosts the morning show Jannat Jahan and goes to all kinds of lengths to make her show a superhit, treading into the dark side if need be.
    Tabbsum takes up a caretaker job in Jannat’s house to become close to her, so she gets to know about the reality of the superstar.

    It’s an intriguing beginning to a promising show. Let’s see where it takes us in the future.

  • SNGPL announces mealtime-focused gas supply plan for Lahore residents

    SNGPL announces mealtime-focused gas supply plan for Lahore residents

    Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has introduced a fresh schedule for supplying natural gas to residential consumers in Lahore.

    As per the latest notification, the provision of sui gas will be facilitated from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the morning, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM during the afternoon, and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.

    These timings appear to align with SNGPL’s decision to ensure gas availability primarily during meal times in the three major segments of the day. This revised timetable will take effect starting from August 18, 2023.

  • Elections delay inevitable as ECP announces delimitation schedule

    Elections delay inevitable as ECP announces delimitation schedule

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the schedule of delimitation of constituencies as required by Article 51 of the constitution of Pakistan and section 17(2) of the Elections Act 2017, in accordance with the official results of the 7th Population and Housing Census-2023. The schedule makes it almost impossible to conduct elections in the next 90 days, as per constitutional requirements.

    According to the given schedule, the final publication of the delimitation will be on December 14th, 2023.

    As per the schedule, boundaries of administrative units across the country will stand frozen from today (August 17) and delimitation committees for all the provinces and the federal capital will be formed by Aug 21.

    In another notification, the ECP has directed its provincial chief secretaries, chief commissioner, the federal government, and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics to provide assistance in the process.

  • ‘Best of luck’: Celebrities rally behind Imran Ashraf as he begins hosting Mazaaq Raat

    ‘Best of luck’: Celebrities rally behind Imran Ashraf as he begins hosting Mazaaq Raat

    TV fans were left heartbroken when popular actor, screenwriter and host of the late night comedy show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ Vasay Chaudhry left the show. There was a lot of anticipation about who would be the next person to fill Chaudhry’s shows. Last week it was revealed that the next host would be none other than Imran Ashraf.

    A week ago, Ashraf officially began his stint as a television host, requested fans for their love and prayers in an Instagram post.

    “Apki muhabbat aur dua ki hamaisha ki tarah zaroorat hai.”

    Celebrities like Humayun Saeed, Yasir Hussain and Hira Mani flooded the comments section with positive accolades, and sending their prayers to the ‘Ranjha Ranjha Kardi’ actor for his show.

    In a recent post, Imran thanked his fans and everyone else for the love and support he was receiving.

  • PDMA warns of medium to high-level flood in Sutlej

    PDMA warns of medium to high-level flood in Sutlej

    The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that River Sutlej’s water level has surged, resulting in minor flooding at Ganda Singh Wala. The current water discharge at the Ganda Singh Point is 73,000 cusecs, according to the PDMA website.

    Authorities from the PDMA have issued a statement stating that water levels at Ganda Singh Wala might increase to the level of moderate to high floods. The spokesperson further added that India might release more water into the river by August 20.
    PDMA shared that Indian authorities released 141,000 cusec water from Pong Dam and 83,703 cusec from Bhakra Dam in the Sutlej. Expectedly 125,000 cusec waters would enter Pakistani territory from Hari-ke-Pattan and a high-level flood is predicted at Ganda Singh.

    The PDMA has issued instructions to the deputy commissioners of Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari to prepare in case an emergency arises.

    India released a significant amount of water in July and early August which destroyed thousands of acres of crops. The water level in the Sutlej River has been fluctuating at a low-level flood since last month resulting in the destruction of houses and forcing the villagers living near the border area to evacuate.

  • 1124: The helpline you should know about for assistance during emergencies, accidents

    1124: The helpline you should know about for assistance during emergencies, accidents

    Bringing attention to a little-known emergency lifeline, popular TikToker Jannat Mirza and her father, a police officer, have teamed up to spread awareness about the significance of dialling 1124 during accidents—an alternative to the widely recognised 1122 emergency number.

    Jannat Mirza, celebrated for her engaging content and impactful messages on social media, is stepping up her influence to highlight the importance of the 1124 emergency helpline. In a recent video, she shared her personal experiment evaluating the responsiveness of the 1124 service.

    “I put the 1124 helpline to the test,” Jannat Mirza revealed to her followers. “I was genuinely surprised by the quick response I received.” She recounted a simulation where she mimicked an accident scenario and dialled 1124. Almost instantly, a responsive team was dispatched and promptly arrived at the specified location.

    Emphasising the critical role of the 1124 helpline, Jannat Mirza’s father, an experienced police officer, stated, “While many are familiar with 1122, being aware of 1124 is equally crucial. The goal is to offer timely assistance, and this helpline allows us to do precisely that.”

    The collaborative video by Jannat Mirza and her father aims to bridge the information gap surrounding emergency services.

    Given that accidents can occur unexpectedly, knowing the appropriate channels to seek help is imperative. Jannat Mirza’s firsthand encounter and her father’s professional insights collectively underscore the efficiency of the 1124 emergency helpline. By sharing their experience, they aspire to motivate individuals across Pakistan to familiarise themselves with this vital service, potentially safeguarding lives.

    About 1124 service

    In 2007, a centralised 24/7 call centre helpline, 1124, was established to receive calls from citizens all across Punjab. These incoming calls trigger a rapid response mechanism from Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) posts, and, in areas without PHP presence, Punjab Police is dispatched to assist the individual in need. This comprehensive service encompasses immediate assistance in cases of vehicle breakdowns, other emergencies, crimes against oneself or reported by a third party, traffic regulation and management concerns, accident response, and facilitating rescue and evacuation to nearby medical facilities.

    Moreover, this helpline serves as a vital platform for registering inputs in various domains and subsequently relaying the data to relevant authorities. One notable application is reporting fire hazards within residential areas. The call centre incorporates advanced features, including call recording, routing, interactive voice response (IVR), and other cutting-edge functionalities, to efficiently manage calls from citizens throughout Punjab. Importantly, this helpline can be dialled without the need for an area code, streamlining access to timely assistance.