Author: newsdesk

  • ‘It got my mind away from stuff’: Kim Kardashian regrets fast Pete Davidson relationship

    ‘It got my mind away from stuff’: Kim Kardashian regrets fast Pete Davidson relationship

    Kim Kardashian opened up about how she regretted jumping in to her relationship with Saturday Night Live (SNL) alum Pete Davidson after she divorced her husband Kanye West, saying that she should have healed and then moved on.

    Speaking on an episode of ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’, the reality TV star revealed that getting into a relationship with Pete helped distract her from the mess of her divorce.

    “I definitely jumped into another relationship so fast,” revealed the ‘Skims’ founder. “It got my mind away from, like, stuff, and that’s not a way to, like, run from things.”

    Speaking to her siblings Kendall and Kylie, Kim said that its better to “feel, deal, heal”.

    Kim and Pete had a whirlwind nine month romance, after Kim starred in an SNL episode in 2021 where she and Pete kissed. The two made it official when they walked the Met Gala together. Pete later got four tattoos dedicated to Kim.

  • Painful IMF compliance, but no new taxes on agriculture and real estate, clarifies Dar

    Painful IMF compliance, but no new taxes on agriculture and real estate, clarifies Dar

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar made a resolute declaration on Thursday, assuring the public that the coalition government, despite having taken stern measures that burdened the masses, has no intentions of imposing additional taxes on the agriculture and real estate sectors.

    Speaking passionately on the floor of the National Assembly, Dar firmly stated, “I want to state categorically […] that no new tax will be imposed on agriculture or real estate. We have endured much pain in meeting the IMF’s conditions.”

    This assurance comes in the wake of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approving a $3 billion bailout program for Pakistan, with $1.2 billion already disbursed to help stabilise the nation’s struggling economy.

    Media reports had indicated that the IMF requested a plan from the government to impose taxes on the real estate and agricultural sectors as a condition to release the remaining funds. The news caused concern among those associated with the agriculture sector, especially since the government had expanded the loan volume to support it in the budget.

    Dar emphasised that all prior actions demanded by the lender had been successfully completed, and the agreement with the IMF was carried out in a transparent manner. He reassured the public, “No further burden will be passed on to the people. All the commitments made with the IMF are available on the finance ministry’s website.”

    The positive effects of the deal are already evident, with investors in the country experiencing relief in the stocks, exchange rate, and bonds markets. Additionally, longstanding allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have recently deposited $3 billion in Pakistan’s central bank, while China rolled over $5 billion in loans over the past three months to prevent the country from defaulting.

    In light of the IMF’s observation that both agriculture and construction sectors are under-taxed in Pakistan, economist Khaqan Hassan Najeeb stressed their significance in broadening the tax base and promoting progressivism.

    Regarding the real estate sector, Najeeb advocated for a genuine capital gains tax, levied at the marginal income tax rate of the individual making the capital gains over the years, to encourage investment from unproductive real estate to more productive sectors like manufacturing.

    Read more: Pakistan’s petroleum dealers temporarily postpone nationwide petrol pump shutdown

    However, Najeeb acknowledged that such reforms would be better suited for implementation by a long-term new government after the upcoming elections. Moreover, he highlighted that provincial governments hold authority over agriculture income tax, which presently contributes only insignificantly. He urged provinces to contemplate a progressive income tax on agriculture, considering the size of farm holdings.

    With Minister Dar’s assurance and the IMF’s support, Pakistan’s economic prospects seem brighter, but the road ahead calls for careful consideration and judicious decision-making to ensure a sustainable and progressive financial future.

  • Pakistan’s petroleum dealers temporarily postpone nationwide petrol pump shutdown

    Pakistan’s petroleum dealers temporarily postpone nationwide petrol pump shutdown

    Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has postponed its planned nationwide strike to shut down fuel pumps for two days following successful negotiations with State Minister for Petroleum, Musadik Malik, who arrived in Karachi today (Friday) to address their concerns.

    In their statement, PPDA conveyed the possibility of holding further discussions with the government after the two-day period. Initially, the association had announced the shutdown of all petrol pumps across Pakistan on July 22 at 6 pm, demanding an increase in profit margins amid the ongoing inflation crisis.

    The PPDA’s concerns primarily revolve around the impact of high interest rates and inflation on their businesses, leading them to call for an increase in the dealership margin. They also raised the issue of declining sales due to the smuggling of Iranian fuel into the country.

    Abdul Sami Khan, chairman of the association, informed Reuters that approximately 8,000-9,000 operators, represented by the PPDA, were prepared to shut down operations on July 22.

    The supply of petrol will remain suspended until the demands put forth by the PPDA are met by the government. This decision comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with a weakening currency and soaring inflation, with the national rate reaching 29.4% in June, down from the record high of 38% in May.

    In May of the previous year, Pakistan’s oil industry had requested a Rs12/litre margin on high-speed diesel (HSD) and Mogas (petrol) for oil marketing companies (OMCs) due to the high cost of conducting business, leading to financial hardships.

    The PPDA highlighted various challenges faced by the oil industry, including increased fuel prices in the international market, exchange rate fluctuations, higher interest rates resulting in inventory holding costs, credit letter confirmation charges leading to higher demurrages, and a high turnover tax of 0.5 per cent.

    Although the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had revised the margin for HSD and Mogas to Rs6/litre during the current year based on a decision taken on October 31, 2022, the PPDA insists that this revision is insufficient and requires urgent review.

  • Supreme Court will intervene if martial law-like situation happens

    Supreme Court will intervene if martial law-like situation happens

    If a martial law-like situation arises, then the Supreme Court will intervene, the apex court has said during a hearing on petitions against the trials of civilians in military courts.

    Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial said that the present case is not related to the death penalty.

    Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan describes the procedure of military trials in court.

    A six-member larger bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Atta Bandial, is hearing the case. Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik are part of the larger bench.

    The AGP said in his arguments that incidents like May 9 have never happened in the history. He also mentioned that the faces of the people involved in May 9 riots are very clear.

    The Attorney General said that the court should adjourn further hearing for a month. In response, the chief justice said that the court will consult with each other and inform him about the next hearing date.

    Journalist Hasnaat Malik tweeted after the hearing, “So final fate of civilian’s trial in military courts will be decided during next CJP era. CJP Bandial wants stay in commencement of civilians trials till his retirement. He also made it clear that there is no martial law in the country”.

  • Azam Khan appears before NAB in £190 million case

    Azam Khan appears before NAB in £190 million case

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s former principal secretary Azam Khan appeared before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today (July 21) in Rawalpindi in a case related to a settlement worth £190 million between property tycoon Malik Riaz and Imran Khan, when the latter was in power. NAB had issued a notice to Azam Khan to appear today, Geo News has reported.

    Azam Khan recorded his statement and answered the questions asked by NAB’s joint investigation team (JIT). Azam Khan confirmed that he is an eyewitness to all that transpired and said that everything, including the dubious transaction, took place under the instructions of former PM Imran Khan. Azam revealed that former federal minister Shehzad Akbar also played a role in the £190 million settlement.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Azam Khan had recorded a statement before a magistrate that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief’s “cypher drama” was a pre-planned conspiracy.

  • Pakistan’s famous blue-eyed chaiwala opens café in London

    Pakistan’s famous blue-eyed chaiwala opens café in London

    You guys remember the chai wala who went viral internationally after his pictures was shared in 2016 by a photographer Jiah Ali? He went overnight from opening a chai stall in Islamabad, to getting modelling contracts from fashion brands. And now, Arshad Khan is set to make a chai cafe in London, after fans from the UK had requested to taste the karak chai made by the maestro himself.

    The official handle shared by Arshad’s instagram page is @chaiwalauk_ak, and he had shared a video of the design preps to set up the cafe.

    The official website of the page shared that it was Arshad’s love of chai and his hard work that had led him to open three outlets in Pakistan, and now will be opening a cafe in London.

    “Chai has been in his blood (considering the amount of chai that is consumed in South Asia, that could be true!) since he was a young boy – that is all he has seen, smelt and made. From a humble background to a handsome superstar chaiwala overnight, that’s quite some journey! He worked hard, stayed focus and did what he’s best at, which is making amazing chai.

    ‘Cafe Chaiwala Arshad Khan’ has 3 outlets in Pakistan and we are now bringing the first of many international outlets to the UK. Our cafe will immerse you in the traditional ambience with a fusion of culture and elegance. Here you will find a variety of chai with unique ingredients and great tasting food; there is something for everyone.”

    The Instagram page also shared some videos of the cafe and honestly it warms our heart to witness the well deserved reward of a hard working man, who rose from being a street vendor to becoming an international star

  • Fans react to Babar Azam being ‘ignored’ by ICC in World Cup promo

    Fans react to Babar Azam being ‘ignored’ by ICC in World Cup promo

    On July 20, the International Cricket Council (ICC) shared a promo for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Cricket fans around the world have strongly reacted to Babar Azam, number one ODI batter, being ignored by the ICC in its recently released World Cup promo in which Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan also made an appearance.

    ICC tweeted: “History will be written and dreams will be realised at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. All it takes is just one day.”

    However, cricket fans were quick to point out an obvious omission by the ICC in its World Cup promo.

    The missing factor: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam.

    Read more: Babar Azam and co ready to dominate in LPL: auction data released

    Fans called out the ICC for its ‘bias’, not including Babar Azam in the promo and also for making the content more about the Indian cricket team and less about the World Cup.

    Here are some tweets by fans who were not happy with the ICC:

  • Baby monkey gives hard time to wildlife team after it escapes KHI court

    Baby monkey gives hard time to wildlife team after it escapes KHI court

    A dramatic incident unfolded at the city court in Karachi when a baby monkey managed to escape while being brought alongside 13 other monkeys by the Sindh Wildlife Department, reported Geo News.

    Two individuals responsible for transporting the monkeys were arrested by the authorities for violating provincial wildlife laws. The suspects were brought before the district and sessions court on Thursday, which fined them Rs100,000 and ordered to hand over the baby monkeys to the zoo.

    The monkeys were being kept in wooden mango crates, and one clever little monkey managed to escape the confines of its container. The baby monkey sought refuge on a tree, proving to be quite elusive due to its small size and agility, making it challenging for the rescue team to catch. The Sindh Wildlife Department stated that they would continue their rescue operation the next day (Friday), which is today, in an effort to capture the baby monkey still at large in the city court area.

    The department had recovered them during a search of a passenger bus arriving in Karachi from Charsadda. The monkeys were suspected to have been illegally captured from the forests in Charsadda.

    Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and welfare of these rescued monkeys, aiming to return them to their natural habitats or appropriate care facilities.

  • Toyota Indus Motor Company suspends car production until August 3

    Toyota Indus Motor Company suspends car production until August 3

    Indus Motor Company Limited has recently made the difficult decision to close its production plant temporarily. The interruption is set to last for two weeks, as the company faces significant challenges in importing essential raw materials, leading to disruptions in its supply chain.

    The root of the problem lies in the difficulties the company and its vendors are encountering in importing raw materials and clearing consignments. These issues are primarily attributed to the struggles with opening letters of credit (LCs) and supply chain problems from certain foreign vendors. Unfortunately, this has left the company with insufficient inventory levels to maintain its production activities.

    The company’s secretary addressed these concerns in a statement released to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, outlining the seriousness of the situation. Indus Motor’s production plant experienced a brief shutdown the previous month due to similar issues with raw material imports. However, the current circumstances have exacerbated the problem, forcing the company to take this temporary production halt.

    Commencing from July 21, 2023, and extending until August 3, 2023, the plant’s complete shutdown is expected to have implications beyond Indus Motors itself. Other major players in the automotive sector, such as Pak Suzuki Motors and Honda Cars, have also faced similar challenges and implemented several shutdown days in recent months.

    The automotive industry, along with other sectors dependent on imported raw materials, has been struggling due to a shortage of foreign exchange reserves in Pakistan. The complications surrounding LCs have severely impacted the supply chain’s seamless functioning, leading to significant disruptions in production activities.

    Indus Motors holds a significant position in Pakistan’s automobile industry and has notably invested $100 million in local production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Furthermore, the company plays a crucial role in the local automotive ecosystem, with over 50 part manufacturers contributing to the value chain by producing parts worth over Rs250 million every working day.

    Additionally, the company has established 53 independently owned authorised dealerships that provide aftersales service, generating substantial employment opportunities for over 450,000 people directly and indirectly across the country.

    The temporary closure of the production plant presents various challenges for Indus Motors, its employees, and the overall automobile industry. The company’s management is likely to be exploring potential solutions to address the scarcity of raw materials and resume operations as soon as the situation allows.

    As analysts point out, finding lasting solutions may require collaboration between the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure a stable supply of raw materials for the automotive industry and other affected sectors. Swift action and strategic measures will be vital to mitigate the economic impact of these closures and preserve the growth trajectory of Pakistan’s automotive sector.

  • ‘Qabool hai’ is for the woman too Moulvi sahib, not her father

    ‘Qabool hai’ is for the woman too Moulvi sahib, not her father

    In the wildest twist of events, it turns out that sometimes, even during your Nikkah, women are not asked if they accept the marriage or not.

    A video went viral on Instagram where television host Aisha Abrar was seen sitting for her Nikkah with her husband, where the molvi was seen asking her husband about whether he had accepted the marriage. He did not ask Aisha for her consent. Her husband asked the molvi to ask his wife for whether she had consented to the marriage. Aisha wrote on Instagram:

    “I told him all I really want is to say: “Qubool hai” which I never got to say . I did not only want to sign the papers and be done with it.

    The Maulvi sahab did not give me a chance to say “Qubool hai” so my boyo ensured I get to say something affirmative also. Qubool hai ki bajaaye manzoor hai but hua to sahi!”

    We would like all women to remember that during your Nikkah, it is important for the moulvi sahib to ask the girl and the boy separately if they wish to get married. It’s not the girl’s representative, who answers this question for her.

    The video had received over 30,000 likes on Instagram with many users applauding the husband for taking a stand and acknowledging his wife’s right.

    ‘It’s important to ask the girl herself…glad your partner took a stand for you,” another user wrote.

    Women shared their own stories in the comments section as well of the times they had taken a stand and asked that they are consulted about their consent before signing the nikkahnama.