Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is presiding over a meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) to decide the destiny of the 2023 census. There is a disagreement between the coalition partners on the issue. All of the chief ministers and senior members of the federal cabinet reportedly attend the council’s crucial meeting.
According to reports, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has informed the federal government that all formalities have been fulfilled and census results are ready for CCI approval.
Elections would likely be postponed by a few months if the CCI adopts the census findings since the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would need more time to redo the delimitation exercise.
According to the legislation, the ECP is required to organise elections based on new data if a new census is announced. It is important to note that the National Assembly will be prematurely dissolved on August 9 — three days before its term ends — by the ruling coalition, giving the electoral body 90 days to hold elections.
Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan was the latest celebrity to feature on the cover of Vogue India. A comment from the interview went viral where the ‘Zarra Hat Ke Zarra Bach Ke’ actress spoke about wanting to come across as more relatable amidst the criticism that she is a nepo-baby. The actress is the daughter of Saif Ali Khan, as well the granddaughter of Sharmila Tagore, and comes from the family of the last ruling Nawab of Pataudi.
“I wear my honesty with more pride than any designer clothes. In fact, I don’t have a single pair of designer clothing in my wardrobe. I know people initially judged me for it but I’m happy that they can now not only appreciate but also identify with me because of these very reasons.”
Many readers were confused by the statement because how does it prove you’re “relatable” and a normal person because you don’t own designer clothes, when everyone knows your royal lineage, especially the fact that you come from a generation of stars? The statement received backlash on social media, with many calling the actress ‘tone-deaf’ and ’embarrassing’ for trying to prove that she was not a nepo-baby.
Mam, your trend of pretending to be middle class stories won’t resonate with audience. Enroll yourself in acting classes, this will undoubtedly benefit you https://t.co/CGPnH6spfE
Police reached the residence of Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after he was sentenced to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case earlier in the day.
Multiple media reports suggest that Khan will be shifted to Kot Lakh Pat jail in Lahore this afternoon.
Judge Humayun Dilawar of a sessions court in Islamabad has found former Prime Minister Imran Khan guilty in the Toshakhana case.
Khan has been disqualified for five years and given a prison sentence for three years.
He has also been fined Rs100,000. The judgement has also said that if the fine is not paid, the imprisonment can be increased by six months.
Khan’s lawyer Khwaja Haris was present in the court when the verdict was given out. Earlier, the Supreme Court (SC) rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s petition to pause trial court proceedings in the Toshakhana case.
The former prime minister went to the apex court when he didn’t get relief from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the Toshakhana case.
Last year, on October 21, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case for making “false statements and incorrect declarations.”
Pakistan’s Aviation Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, delivered a grave warning on Friday about the precarious financial state of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He highlighted that without swift corrective action, the airline could incur staggering losses of up to Rs259 billion by 2030. To salvage the national carrier from its mounting debts, Minister Rafique urgently called for essential measures, including the transfer of administrative control to the private sector.
Minister Rafique’s concerns were voiced during his address on the Senate floor, where he presented “The Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” He stressed the critical need for foreign direct investment (FDI) and the involvement of private entities to ensure the long-term sustainability of PIA, which currently grapples with an overwhelming debt burden of Rs742 billion.
However, the proposal faced strong opposition from several senators during the proceedings. As a result, the Senate chairman referred the matter to the relevant standing committee for further evaluation, acknowledging the significance of FDI and private sector participation in transforming PIA into a profitable entity.
The deliberations also witnessed PTI lawmakers raising concerns about the quorum, prompting a fifteen-minute bell ringing to meet the attendance requirement. Once the quorum was restored, House proceedings resumed to discuss the fate of PIA.
The key provision of the bill proposes an amendment to Section 3, which specifies that the company’s shareholders would retain the same number of fully paid shares while preserving their existing rights and privileges. Additionally, the federal government could, through an official gazette notification, issue fresh shares or cancel existing ones as needed during the validity period.
The destiny of Pakistan International Airlines now lies in the hands of the standing committee, tasked with thoroughly scrutinising the bill and its proposed amendments. The committee’s decision will significantly impact the future of the struggling airline and determine whether privatisation and foreign investment can pave the way for PIA’s financial recovery.
Atlas Honda, the leading motorcycle brand in Pakistan, has recently announced price adjustments for its bikes. The new prices are set to take effect today, August 5th.
Here are the latest prices of Atlas Honda motorcycles in Pakistan:
Motorcycle Model
Previous Price (Rs)
New Price (Rs)
Previous Price (Rs)
CD-70
154,900
157,900
3,000
Dream 70
165,900
168,900
3,000
Pridor
203,900
208,900
5,000
CG-125
231,900
234,900
3,000
CB-125F
387,900
390,900
3,000
CB-150F
490,900
493,900
3,000
The CD-70 model will see an increase of Rs3,000, bringing its new price to Rs157,900. Similarly, the Dream 70 model’s price has been raised by Rs3,000, now priced at Rs168,900.
For the Pridor model, there has been a significant increase of Rs5,000, setting its new price at Rs208,900. As for the CG-125 model, it will now be priced at Rs234,900. Additionally, the CB-125F model’s price has been adjusted to Rs390,900, and the CB-150F model will now cost Rs493,900.
These changes in prices reflect the current market conditions and various factors impacting the automobile industry. Customers should be aware of these adjustments while making their purchasing decisions after the specified date.
Forget about Avengers Endgame or Barbie, the biggest movie ever….never got made. Two of the greatest actors this generation has seen, Shah Rukh Khan and Leonardo DiCaprio, were once about to come together to give us the most incredible thriller film of our lives.
Back in 2011, the Bollywood Badshah had signed on the film ‘Xtreme City’. A picture, purportedly a fan-made poster, broke the internet. Featuring Khan, DiCaprio, Karan Johar, the film was supposed to be produced by the legendary Martin Scorsese with Paul Schrader directing, and Mushtaq Sheikh writing. The film was suppose to pit Khan and DiCaprio against each other.
Sheikh gushed about the once-in-a-lifetime powerful collaboration with NDTV, calling it “the best news I’ve heard in a long time”.
“We are all elated. This is the best news I have heard in a long time. Martin loved the script and it meant the world to me as the writer of the film along with Paul Schrader. But when he comes in as the producer of the project, then I am thrilled as it takes the film to another level completely. Inshaallah, all goes well from here onwards. Fingers and all parts of the body crossed.”
In a 2011 interview with Press Trust of India, Sheikh described the plot of the film as one where “both Indian and American protagonists are balanced human beings”:
“It’s a different kind of film, one where both Indian and American protagonists are balanced human beings and the story treats them in their full complexity without either culture being diminished or taken for granted. It’s a cross-cultural thriller designed for both Bollywood and Hollywood. And if we get it right, this will be an attempt at true global entertainment.”
However the project couldnt take off because both actors weren’t as committed to the project to continue it, and in an interview with Open Magazine, Schrader revealed that Shah Rukh wasn’t comfortable with doing a film he couldn’t control:
“Well, in the end, I don’t think Shah Rukh wanted to make it. It was really up to him, and I just got the feeling that he was never going to be comfortable doing an international film that he didn’t control. You know that everything SRK does, he has total control over? So if he did something like this at an international level, he wouldn’t have that control.”
“I think in the end he wasn’t that comfortable not being a hundred per cent in control. We did have a script, which was a hundred per cent paid for. We also had a meeting with SRK and Leo in Berlin, but neither of them actually ever committed. There was a lot of waiting—maybe they were waiting for each other to commit, but it never quite happened.”
Shah Rukh Khan has also candidly discussed why he chose not to follow the path of other actors like Irrfan Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, to star in a Hollywood movie, while speaking in 2008 at the Berlin Film Festival.
“My English is not good, if they give me a role of a dumb person who doesn’t speak, maybe then there’s a possibility. I am not trying to be modest, I am 42 years old. I am a little brown. I don’t have any USP as an actor, I don’t have any specialty. I don’t know Kung Fu, I don’t dance salsa, and I am not tall enough…I have seen the recent European films, there is no place for me there, no space for me. I don’t think am talented enough. Instead, I would like to continue working in India and take Indian cinema to the world.”
Tech enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the much-rumoured iPhone 15, as speculations on its features and release date continue to circulate. Apple’s last iPhone 14 lineup has been a hit, and now fans are looking forward to the potential enhancements that the iPhone 15 may bring.
While Apple has not officially announced the release date for the new iPhones, insiders have revealed that the company plans to unveil the iPhone 15 lineup during the third week of September. Multiple mobile carriers have reportedly instructed employees not to take days off on September 13, hinting at a major smartphone announcement on that day.
Historically, Apple has held its iPhone events in September, and it appears that this year won’t be an exception. While most past announcements took place on Tuesdays, last year’s iPhone 14 event occurred on a Wednesday, similar to September 13’s potential date.
If the speculated date holds true, pre-orders for the iPhone 15 are expected to start on September 15, with the official release slated for September 22. However, analysts predict possible delays for some models due to supply chain challenges, as has happened in previous years.
Rumours have been swirling about the iPhone 15’s design and features. According to 9to5Mac, it’s suggested that the new models will sport slightly curved edges and thinner bezels around the display, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Notably, all four new models are expected to incorporate Dynamic Island and USB-C, replacing the Lightning port.
For the Pro models, Apple is rumoured to replace the stainless steel frame with a titanium one, adding a touch of elegance and durability. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will reportedly be powered by the A16 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 14 Pro, while the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will feature the new A17 chip, offering improved performance.
Photography enthusiasts may be delighted to learn that the larger Pro model is expected to come equipped with a new periscope lens for enhanced optical zoom capabilities.
As for pricing, there’s speculation that the new iPhones could come at a premium. Reports suggest that prices may increase by up to PKR 56,000 ($200) compared to the current generation.
While Apple enthusiasts are excited about the potential features of the iPhone 15, they will have to wait for the official announcement to confirm the rumours. Until then, anticipation will continue to build as the tech giant prepares for what could be another groundbreaking iPhone launch.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has allotted symbols to political parties as general elections loom nearer. The list of symbols is eccentric, becoming the subject of much hilarity on social media.
A four-member bench led by ECP Sindh Member Nisar Durrani, allotted election symbols to 23 political parties as these parties have fulfilled the criteria.
According to the Election Act 2017, holding intra-party election is a prerequisite to get the election symbol.
ECP has allotted ‘sword’ as election symbol to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), ‘knife’ to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaniyat, ‘missile’ to Pakistan Peace Movement, ‘pistol’ to the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Pakistan, ‘victory’ (sign) to Pakistan People’s Party Workers, ‘fist’ to Pakistan People’s Party Shaheed Bhutto, ‘book’ to the JUIF, ‘ring’ to Rabita Jamiat-e-Islam, ‘cup’ to the People’s Muslim League, ‘bucket’ to Kisan Ittehad, ‘leaf’ to the Pakistan Awami Democratic Alliance, ‘kangaroo’ to All Pakistan United League, ‘moon’ to Hazara Democratic Party, ‘hockey’ to Pakistan Awami League, ‘waistcoat’ to the Movement of Dervishes Pakistan. Likewise, the commission allotted ‘takhti’ to JUI Ideological, ‘helmet’ to Modern Awami Party and ‘telephone’ to Tehreek-e-Azam Pakistan and ‘jug’ to Allah o Akbar Movement.
The jokes write themselves in this land of ours “The Election Commission has allotted… ‘knife’ to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaniyat, ‘missile’ to Pakistan Peace Movement, ‘pistol’ to the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Pakistan…”#lalaland@ECP_Pakistan
There has been a confusion on social media on the allotment of election symbol to PPP that it has been allotted Sword – which already it had. However, the symbol of Arrow was & would remain with PPP – Parliamentarians. The hearing on 4Ps is today at ECP.https://t.co/8DhAjPXIj0
Domestic bullion prices in Pakistan experienced a significant drop, with both gold and silver witnessing declines. The 24-karat gold closed at Rs220,200 per tola, falling by Rs2,800, while the price of 10-gramme 24-karat gold went down by Rs2,401, closing the day at Rs188,786 per tola. Additionally, 10-gramme 22-karat gold stood at Rs173,054 per tola, down by Rs2,200.
The drop in gold and silver prices can be attributed to the recent appreciation of the Pakistani rupee (PKR). The PKR managed to snap a three-day losing streak by appreciating Rs2.18 against the US dollar in the interbank session on Thursday. Since gold is denominated in US dollars, when the PKR strengthens against the dollar, the value of gold in PKR terms diminishes.
Similarly, the price of silver also witnessed a decline in the domestic market. The price of 24-karat silver fell by Rs50 to close at Rs2,750 per tola, and the price of 10-gramme 24-karat silver closed at Rs2,358 per tola, losing Rs42.86.
The recent appreciation of the Pakistani rupee, coupled with global interest rate developments, has influenced the decline in gold and silver prices in the domestic market. Investors are now keeping a close eye on economic indicators and global central bank decisions to anticipate potential shifts in precious metal prices.
It seems like yet another sale has led to a fight between shoppers. Videos on social media show huge crowds at the Sapphire store in a shopping mall in Faisalabad, where an annual sale is taking place. Long lines of women and men standing in que to purchase clothes can be seen.
One video shows a fight breaking out at the store, with a man clearly beating another person, while another one had a pistol with him, according to eye-witnesses.
کوہ نور پلازہ جڑانوالہ روڈ فیصل آباد میں میں ملبوسات کی سیل لگنے پر دکان میدان جنگ بن گئی۔ خواتین نے مردوں کو بلایا، ایک دوسرے پر جوتے برسائے،شوہر پستول لے کر آگئے، فائرنگ سے خوف و ہراس پھیل گیا،پولیس نے 4 افراد کو گرفتار کرلیا۔#Faisalabad#FaisalabadTV#Sale#Sapphire#Policepic.twitter.com/PzIRQ6Lhs9
