Author: newsdesk

  • ECP awaits census data to determine election schedule

    ECP awaits census data to determine election schedule

    Following the dissolution of the National Assembly, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been granted a 90-day window to organize general elections. Within this period, the ECP is also required to carry out the process of constituency delimitation based on the digital census. However, census results necessary for this task have not yet been provided to the ECP.

    Sources within the ECP have confirmed to geo.tv that they are still awaiting data for 186,509 census blocs and are yet to establish a timeline for the constitutionally mandated delimitation process. Although they have already received district-wise data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the data required for delimitation is still pending.

    It has been revealed that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) is expected to compile and share the data of these blocs with the ECP in the coming week. Following this, the ECP will need a minimum of four months to carry out the delimitation process and address any complaints that may arise.

    The Council of Common Interests (CCI), a constitutional body, approved the digital census results on August 5, which marked a significant step. The ECP held its inaugural formal meeting on this matter. With the census phase now complete, the focus shifts to the subsequent step of delimitation.

    While the ECP has already consulted its legal team and received a briefing, the completion of data provision from the bureau is awaited. This data is essential for the ECP to establish a timeline for fulfilling its legal obligations prior to conducting the elections.

    The passage of the census results has sparked speculation, particularly within political and constitutional circles. In relation to the National Assembly, officially dissolved on August 10, triggering the countdown for the constitutional requirement of delimitation. This process encompasses 90 days, with an additional 30 days allocated for addressing related complaints and objections.

    A senior official stressed the significance of time, stating that if the complete census results are provided to the Election Commission by August 15 or 16 (Tuesday or Wednesday), the commission would be left with 85 or 86 days to carry out the delimitation process.

    Originally reported by Mumtaz Alvi

  • Nawaz Sharif is coming to Pakistan next month, Shehbaz confirms

    Nawaz Sharif is coming to Pakistan next month, Shehbaz confirms

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said on Thursday that his elder brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, will return to Pakistan next month and face the law. It will be a major development if Nawaz Sharif comes back, as the upcoming elections are going to be held very soon.

    Shehbaz Sharif has also said in an interview with Geo News’ Capital Talk that he will visit London and meet the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head after the caretaker government takes charge.

    “Nawaz Sharif will come back to Pakistan next month and will face the law and lead the election campaign,” Shehbaz Sharif said, however, he did not mention a specific date.

    “He [Nawaz] will neither wear a hat nor a bucket”, the outgoing PM said, criticising former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is arrested and in Attock jail currently.

    Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the PML-N president, expressed hope that his party would win the upcoming general elections and that he would work as a party activist under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif.

  • Suspect arrested for harassing Srha Asghar released on bail due to non-cooperation of complainant

    Suspect arrested for harassing Srha Asghar released on bail due to non-cooperation of complainant

    Update: According to the police, the man who was arrested for harassing actress Srha Asghar has walked free while the FIR against him will be dismissed due to non-cooperation of the complainant.

    Geo News reports that Inspector Javed Babar has said that when the harasser was produced in court on Friday, he denied the allegations. The actress was summoned to appear in court by the female judge, but she didnt arrive, nor was any evidence of the incident produced.

    “Even the clothes torn during the incident or eyewitnesses of the incident requested by the police and the court were not produced,” he said.

    TRIGGER WARNING: discussion of harassment

    In a horrifying case, actress Srha Asghar reportedly filed a First Information Report (FIR) against a man, Asim, when he allegedly tried sexually assaulting her outside her home in Karachi. The FIR was registered at Shah Faisal Police Station on the complaint of Srha’s husband, Umar Murtaza.

    According to Police officials, the incident took place in August when the actress left her house to go to the nearby market to get groceries. A man kept following her back home and cat-called her. Asghar’s statement further revealed the man tried groping her which resulted in her clothes getting torn.

    The actress then rung the doorbell after which her husband came outside, which led to a fight between him and the assaulter. After which, the assaulter was taken to the police station by Umar and their neighbors.

    Srha and her husband have refused to give comments to media, but the actress did post a note on her Instagram stories where she slammed media organisations for including personal information on their news to get ratings, telling them to stop calling her:

    “I want every media person to stop messaging me about the incident, shame on them for calling me and my husband continuously for an interview for your ratings! And shame on the news channel who attached all the personal info with the incident! We ae safe Alhumdulillah!”

  • ‘Mayi Ri’ drama targets child marriage issues

    ‘Mayi Ri’ drama targets child marriage issues

    Mayi Ri looks to be an exceptional project, with a strong female lead in which women empowerment and the importance of education for girls will be highlighted.
    Aina Asif is a talented up-and-coming star who at a young age has already starred in dramas with big storylines.

    We are brilliantly reintroduced to the frightening reality of child marriages in the recently released drama. ‘Mayi Ri’ urges us to consider the terrible effects of this deeply ingrained practice through its striking images and compelling storytelling.

    This drama video bravely illuminates the mental, physical, and psychological hardships faced by kids forced into young adulthood who have to cope with an environment for which they are unprepared.

    The drama aims to question the accepted beliefs about child marriage and highlight the value of empowerment, especially for young girls.
    The Pakistani entertainment sector is a change catalyst because of its wide impact. It has the potential to increase public awareness of and motivate group initiatives to address problems like child marriage. “Mayi Ri” seeks to start a constructive society reform by bringing such issues to light.

    The two actors appearing in the trailer are child actor Aina Asif and Samar Jaffri, a brand-new face in the industry. This will be his debut role. The rest of the cast consists of Nauman Ejaz, Haniya Ahmed, Maria Wasti, Rimha Ahmed, Saad Zameer Faridi, Sajida Syed, Paras Masroor, Amna Malik, Diya Mughal, Usman Mazhar, Faham Usman, Sameena Nazir, and Bisma Babar, among others.

  • PIA offers 14% ‘Azadi Offer Discount’ on all domestic flights on Independence Day

    PIA offers 14% ‘Azadi Offer Discount’ on all domestic flights on Independence Day

    On the occasion of the 76th Independence Day, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has extended a generous gesture to its passengers by announcing a significant discount.

    According to ARY News, the national carrier has declared a 14 per cent price reduction on all domestic flights, bringing forth a unique opportunity for citizens to travel within the country at a more affordable cost.

    In an official statement released on Thursday via their Twitter handle, the PIA spokesperson elaborated on the offer, stating that travellers would be able to avail themselves of this limited-time promotion on August 14.

    This special Independence Day discount is being offered as a token of appreciation to fellow compatriots for their unwavering support and patriotism.

    “The discount is a gift from the national carrier to the compatriots for Independence Day,” the spokesperson affirmed, highlighting the airline’s dedication to celebrating the nation’s sovereignty.

    As the nation prepares to commemorate the 76th Independence Day, citizens are set to rally around the ideals of the Pakistan Movement. This annual celebration, which falls on August 14, marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history and provides an occasion for citizens to renew their commitment to building a robust Islamic welfare state.

    With the PIA’s gracious discount offer, many citizens are expected to capitalise on the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures that Pakistan has to offer, fostering a sense of unity and connectivity as the nation celebrates its journey towards progress and development.

  • Utility Stores hike sugar, ghee, and flour prices following subsidy withdrawal

    In a surprising move, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has raised the prices of crucial commodities such as sugar, ghee, and flour, affecting consumers across the board, including those enrolled in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). This price increase comes in the wake of the outgoing government’s decision to eliminate subsidies on these essential items.

    Among the notable price hikes, a 10-kg bag of flour has witnessed a substantial increase of Rs200; sugar prices have surged by Rs30; and ghee prices have risen by Rs53 per kilogramme. This unforeseen surge in prices has left many consumers bewildered, especially considering that the government recently augmented the subsidy allocation for the USC from Rs30 billion to Rs35 billion in the ongoing fiscal year’s budget.

    In a bid to alleviate the burden on consumers, the Prime Minister’s Azadi package for BISP beneficiaries is set to launch on August 11. This relief package aims to cushion the impact of the price hikes by offering a 10-kg bag of flour at a reduced price of Rs648. Additionally, a discount of Rs25 per kilogramme will be applied to rice and pulses for eligible beneficiaries.

    However, the plight of consumers has been compounded by widespread shortages of essential goods at utility stores. Frustration among citizens has mounted as they endure long lines for houRsin the hope of purchasing subsidised items, only to be met with empty shelves and disappointment. The lack of availability has further exacerbated the challenges posed by the recent price increases.

    Curiously, authorities at the utility stores have refrained from commenting on the escalating situation. This silence has left consumers and observers alike wondering about the root causes of these unexpected developments and the potential implications for the broader economic landscape.

  • Chery Pakistan increases Tiggo 4 Price to Rs7 million

    In the face of mounting economic uncertainty, import restrictions, and complications surrounding Letter of Credit (LC) transactions, Chery Pakistan has been forced to implement a significant price hike on one of its popular crossover SUVs.

    According to Pakwheels, the Chery Tiggo 4, a favoured choice among Pakistani car enthusiasts, will now come with a heftier price tag, soaring from Rs6,399,000 to Rs6,999,000, reflecting an increase of Rs600,000. This move comes as Chery Pakistan grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by a volatile economic landscape and supply chain disruptions, as the company revealed in an official statement.

    The surge in pricing has been attributed to the prevailing precarious economic conditions and the stifling supply constraints that have been a constant thorn in the side of numerous industries, including the automotive sector. Nevertheless, Chery Pakistan aims to mitigate the impact on its customers by extending a price lock guarantee to all new bookings for the Chery Tiggo 4, providing a semblance of stability amidst the tumultuous market fluctuations.

    The price escalation, while not entirely unexpected, underscores the current tribulations faced by Pakistan’s local auto industry. As a sector heavily reliant on imported components, particularly critical vehicle parts, the domestic car manufacturing industry is inherently susceptible to the ripple effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

    Compounding the challenges are the import restrictions introduced by governmental authorities, leading to a cascade of delays and, in some instances, complete production standstills for various car manufacturers.

    The predicament has been further exacerbated by the non-issuance of LCs by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), casting a darker shadow over an already beleaguered landscape. Industry experts predict that the situation is poised to persist for the foreseeable future, with a grim timeline of at least 2–3 years for the auto sector to regain its footing.

    The intertwining of persistent economic woes with a backdrop of political instability paints a disheartening picture, further clouding the prospects of a swift recovery.

  • ‘Poora maza lootun’, SRK has a hilarious response to going bald

    ‘Poora maza lootun’, SRK has a hilarious response to going bald

    Shah Rukh Khan did another one of his hilarious #AskSRK sessions on Twitter to celebrate the release of ‘Jawaan’ on September 7.

    In response to one question, the actor addressed his unique look as a bald man, an image that had shocked social media.

    When a fan asked him why he chose to shred his dark locks for a bald look, the actor hilariously responded:

    “Ghar ke bahar aule padh rahe the….socha ganja ho jaoon….pura maza lootun….”

    Not quite a bad reason in our opinion! And twitter users had to cackle as well!

    Other than his witty remarks, the Bollywood Badshah had to commemorate some of his iconic films like ‘Chak De! India’ by praising the female actors who helped make the film so memorable

  • Kaun banega caretaker PM? Consultations between Shehbaz and Raja Riaz to begin today

    Kaun banega caretaker PM? Consultations between Shehbaz and Raja Riaz to begin today

    Consultations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz will start today as the country waits for an announcement on who will be the caretaker Prime Minister.

    A meeting between Raja Riaz and Shehbaz Sharif was postponed yesterday due to the dissolution of the National Assembly late last night.

    “The president dissolved the National Assembly on the advice of the prime minister under Article 58-1 of the Constitution,” read an official statement issued by the President’s Office on X, formerly known as Twitter, late Wednesday.

    Shehbaz Sharif has invited Raja Riaz to the meeting by sending a letter, writing that President Arif Alvi has dissolved the National Assembly and that it’s his constitutional responsibility to appoint the caretaker Prime Minister.

    The PM and Raja Riaz will mutually decide on one of the names proposed for the caretaker Premier.

    Earlier on Wednesday, the opposition leader denied rumours that a scheduled meeting had been postponed for nefarious reasons and expressed eagerness for the upcoming conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

  • Mahira Khan, Nina Kashif buy rights to ‘This House of Clay and Water’

    Mahira Khan, Nina Kashif buy rights to ‘This House of Clay and Water’

    Actress Mahira Khan is about to attempt changing the Pakistani entertainment industry for good by bringing forward an array of unique projects. Yesterday, author Faiqa Mansab announced on her Instagram page that the actress, along with producer Nina Kashif had brought the rights to her novel ‘This House Of Clay And Water’ under the banner of Soul Fry Films. Mahira is grounded yet a true superstar, the novelist wrote, adding that her book is in good hands:

    “I am so happy to have Mahira and Nina at the helm for this project because they really get the essence of this story. I was immediately won over by Mahira, who is grounded and yet a true superstar. In a few words she showed me how deeply she understood my novel. Few people have shown such insight. My novel is in extremely good hands. I look forward to seeing it on screen. Thank you to all who believe in my stories!”

    In a statement released to Book Brunch, Mahira and Nina called the novel “one of the most poetic pieces of writing”:

    ‘This book is one of the most poetic pieces of writing that we have come across from our part of the world. Each character stays with you, you feel invested in all of them. A story that is so different and yet so rooted. It would be an honor for us to adapt it for our screen audience. We are so grateful to Faiqa for putting her trust in us with what we feel is a piece of her heart, and now ours.”

    ‘The House Of Clay And Water’ was released in May 2017 and explores the lives of two women, Nida and Sasha and how they navigate a world that makes them feel alienated.