Author: newsdesk

  • Tiktoker Kanwal Aftab slammed for telling 2.8 million followers that women should fix abusive husbands

    Tiktoker Kanwal Aftab slammed for telling 2.8 million followers that women should fix abusive husbands

    Tiktoker and Instagram influencer Kanwal Aftab has been slammed by the internet for telling a fan that women should “support” abusive husbands.

    During a question and answer session on Instagram, Aftab, who has over 2.8 million followers, was asked by a fan how a woman could cope with an abusive husband when she can’t find a good job.

    The influencer responded:

    “Try to support him. Motivate him. Divorce koi rasta nahi hai.”

    This harmful advice was slammed by social media users, especially the Founder of Soul Sisters Pakistan, Kanwal Ahmed, who shared a screenshot of Aftab’s answer and schooled the Tiktoker:

    “Tiktoker Kanwal Aftab with 18.4 MILLION followers wants women to “support” and “motivate” husbands who abuse them. Struggling to understand if that means cheering them on as they punch her? Or leaving a reminder to do it again when they’re done?”

    She also shared another response by Aftab where the user had been asked if she truly meant that women should support husbands while suffering under domestic violence, the Instagram influencer had responded: “Bhain support karien us kay halat ko behtar karne m. Usko sahi karne mein.”

    “Women don’t get married to “fix” abusive men. Or to support and validate their violent behaviour,” Ahmed tweeted.

    Social media users condemned the display of misogyny and schooled the Tiktoker for making irresponsible statements on a public platform.

    https://twitter.com/amnachaudhry03/status/1671206978356404224?s=20

    Why does the burden of fixing the marriage always fall on the woman? Many users had to ask Aftab this

    “Why the “sahi karna” burden always fall on women in marriage. Men are grown up individuals! It’s high we need to understand, if a human doesn’t want to be corrected no one can! And there should be a boundary in marriage! And domestic violence is way far from that boundary line!”

    It is never the woman’s responsibility to endure something as heinous as domestic violence, and we are also shocked at how our celebrities have no issue in turning a blind eye towards abusive marriages, and consistently tell women to endure rather than leave.

  • Modi fan Elon Musk says Tesla will be in India soon

    Modi fan Elon Musk says Tesla will be in India soon

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tesla and the world’s richest man Elon Musk, in New York on Wednesday.

    “Great meeting you today @elonmusk! We had multifaceted conversations on issues ranging from energy to spirituality,” Modi wrote in his tweet along with a picture of Musk.

    Musk retweeted Modi’s quote and wrote, “Great conversation with Narendra Modi.”

    “I am confident that Tesla will be in India and will do so as soon as humanly possible,” Musk told reporters after meeting Modi.

    “We do not want to jump the gun on an announcement but I think it is quite likely that it will be a significant investment in our relationship with India,” he said. “I would like to thank the prime minister for his support and hopefully we will be able to announce something in the not so distant future.”

    Read more: Former Twitter CEO says Modi Govt threatened to shut down platform in India

    In a different statement, Musk as reported by Indian Express, said that he was a fan of Modi, and that “India has more promise than any large country in the world. He (PM Modi) really cares about India because he is pursuing us to make significant investments in India.”

    India is great for solar energy investment, the American magnate said, describing his talks with the prime minister as “excellent.”

    The Indian PM’s meeting with Twitter’s CEO comes a few days after Co-founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, in an interview with YouTube channel Breaking Points talked about censorship requests he received from the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    A reporter asked for Musk’s reaction on Jack Dorsey’s statement to which he replied, “Twitter does not have any choice but to obey local governments”

    “We will do our best to provide the freest speech that is possible under the rule,” he added.

    The Indian Prime Minister is on a four-day visit to the US.

  • Vasay Chaudhry apologises for ‘overseas Pakistani’ joke on Mazaaq Raat

    Vasay Chaudhry apologises for ‘overseas Pakistani’ joke on Mazaaq Raat

    A clip from the Dunya News comedy show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ featuring model and actress Sarah Neelum went viral on social media.

    Neelum was seen mocking overseas Pakistanis for pretending to be well-established and wealthy in Pakistan, while they are actually washing toilets abroad.

    The clip received severe backlash from overseas Pakistanis. One user wrote:

    “This unknown model on national television is claiming that overseas Pakistanis clean gutters abroad and come to Pakistan to show off by wearing cotton clothes. Meanwhile, these very overseas Pakistanis contribute $32 million through their hard work abroad.”

    Actor Shaan Shahid was among the voices who critcised Neelum’s opinion:

    “Our overseas Pakistanis .. from all walks of life are our pride .. none should show disrespect .. towards them .. as the country and we the nation owe them much more than respect .. as their sacrifices are beyond words.. much respect.”

    The host of the comedy show, Vasay Chaudhry, stepped in to apologise for the tasteless joke by calling it a “ridiculous comment”.

    “I want to publicly apologise on behalf of my whole team at #Mazaqraat ,a very stupid,Vile & ridiculous comment was made recently abt overseas’s Pakistani’s by one of the guests in our show which was followed up by an attmepted joke by one of the comedians(again in bad taste).”

    The ‘Punjab Nahi Jaugni’ actor further added:

    “A formal apology will be aired in tonight’s episode. However , I wanted to personally apologise to all the Pakistanis living abroad.We Love you , even though you might not feel the same at this point, but ” ghalatiaan apnoo say he hoti hain.”

  • UK introduces new trade plan, offering duty-free access to 94% Pakistani products

    UK introduces new trade plan, offering duty-free access to 94% Pakistani products

    The United Kingdom has taken a momentous step in strengthening commercial ties with 64 nations, including Pakistan, by launching a new trading plan that offers duty-free access to goods.

    This move is expected to have a significant impact on Pakistani exports, allowing a staggering 94 per cent of goods to enter the British market without any duties, resulting in substantial savings of £120 million for the country.

    With the replacement of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), the UK’s new trade system opens up new avenues for trade and promises further tariff reductions for an additional 156 items.

    The implementation of the new trade system marks a significant development for Pakistani exports to the United Kingdom. By providing duty-free access to a vast majority of Pakistani goods, the UK aims to foster a mutually beneficial trade relationship. This move is expected to boost the trading possibilities between the two nations and facilitate an expansion of bilateral trade.

    According to the British High Commission, the current annual trade volume between Pakistan and the UK stands at £4.4 billion, and these figures are expected to rise in the future.

    The new trading plan aims to extend opportunities for free and fair trade to 65 nations, including Pakistan. By facilitating necessary changes and improvements, the UK seeks to enhance the quality of trade and enable these countries to actively participate in the global trading system. The British Trade Centre will play a crucial role in supporting and assisting these nations in their trade endeavors.

    Notably, this new plan also benefits 26 Asian nations and 37 African nations, collectively amounting to an export volume of £21 billion to the UK.

    The new trade system also promises further tariff reductions and increased trading possibilities for participating nations. With this plan in place, the UK aims to promote free and fair trade, strengthen global trading systems, and foster economic growth for all involved parties.

  • Australia stuns England with thrilling Ashes victory at Edgbaston

    Australia stuns England with thrilling Ashes victory at Edgbaston

    In a gripping Ashes encounter at Edgbaston, Australia claimed a thrilling two-wicket triumph, taking a 1-0 lead in the series with a remarkable display by skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.

    The final day was packed with tension, culminating in an extraordinary performance by Cummins and Lyon, who formed an unyielding ninth-wicket partnership. Against a boisterous crowd, they defied all odds and successfully chased down a target of 281, adding an unbeaten 55 runs to their team’s tally.

    This victory held significant meaning for Australia as it avenged their heartbreaking two-run defeat on the same ground 18 years ago, when they narrowly missed reaching a target of 282. Cummins, unbeaten with a crucial 44 runs, and Lyon, undefeated on 16, propelled Australia to their closest Ashes victory in terms of wickets since 1907.

    Initially, England seemed to be on the verge of victory as captain Ben Stokes bowled Usman Khawaja with a mesmerising slower ball, while Joe Root showcased exceptional skills with a return catch off Alex Carey. However, in the final hour of the match, Cummins and Lyon skillfully countered England’s short-ball strategy, thwarting their plans.

    The tension reached its peak when Stokes nearly pulled off a sensational flying catch to dismiss Lyon, but unfortunately lost control of the ball. With less than five overs remaining and three runs required, Cummins guided Ollie Robinson towards the third man, where a diving Harry Brook fumbled, ultimately securing an incredible win for Australia.

    The Edgbaston clash lived up to its reputation as an Ashes classic, captivating fans with its high stakes and enthralling cricket. The series now moves on to the second Test at Lord’s on June 28, promising further excitement and intensity for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

  • ‘You will see progress in Karachi’; Murtaza Wahab has promised to keep

    ‘You will see progress in Karachi’; Murtaza Wahab has promised to keep

    Murtaza Wahab, newly elected mayor of Karachi, has said in a press conference on Tuesday that he and his party want to get to work. “You will see progress in Karachi now,” he promised.

    He mentioned that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will do practical work with clear methods.
    Murtaza Wahab also stated that to fulfill legal requirements, him and Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah will be elected as Chairman from a union committee within 10 days.

    Stressing that solving municipal issues is their priority, Wahab stated that they will change the old sewage system and in this way, people’s problems can be solved permanently.
    “Transport problem in Karachi is also our priority,” he pointed out.

    “We have already fulfilled the promise for public buses with the people of Karachi and still work is continuing on Red and Yellow line service,” the mayor observed.

  • Proton increases car prices by more than Rs2.1 million in Pakistan

    Proton increases car prices by more than Rs2.1 million in Pakistan

    In what has already been a challenging year for Pakistan’s car industry, Al-Haj Automotive, the assembler and seller of Proton cars in the country, has announced a significant price hike across its vehicle lineup. The move comes as the industry continues to grapple with production halts and a series of factors contributing to a worsening crisis.

    Throughout 2022, Al-Haj Automotive had refrained from increasing its prices, with the exception of the Saga Standard Automatic variant in February. However, the company’s recent announcement indicates a substantial shift in its pricing strategy, leaving customers in shock and further dampening the already struggling car market.

    The ongoing crisis in the Pakistani car industry has been attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against major currencies has led to increased costs for automakers who rely on imported components. Import restrictions imposed by the government have also played a role in limiting the availability of crucial parts and components.

    Furthermore, the industry has faced challenges due to the increase in taxes levied on automobile manufacturers. The rising freight charges have further added to the financial burden faced by car companies, affecting their ability to maintain reasonable pricing for consumers.

    In addition to these factors, the Pakistani car industry has been hit hard by escalating raw material prices, making it increasingly difficult for automakers to sustain production and keep prices affordable. Logistical hurdles and supply chain disruptions have only compounded the challenges faced by manufacturers, resulting in prolonged production halts and delivery delays.

    Against this backdrop, Al-Haj Automotive has released its updated price list, effective immediately. The new prices for the Proton vehicle lineup are as follows:

    Saga Standard Manual: PKR2,824,000 (old price) to PKR3,749,000 (new price), representing an increase of PKR925,000.

    Saga Standard Automatic: PKR3,299,000 (old price) to PKR3,949,000 (new price), reflecting an increase of PKR650,000.

    Saga ACE Automatic: PKR3,149,000 (old price) to PKR4,099,000 (new price), marking a significant rise of PKR950,000.

    X70 Executive AWD: PKR6,740,000 (old price) to PKR8,799,000 (new price), indicating a staggering increase of PKR2,059,000.

    X70 Premium FWD: PKR7,190,000 (old price) to PKR9,299,000 (new price), representing a substantial hike of PKR2,109,000.

    These price hikes by Al-Haj Automotive are expected to further burden potential car buyers and impact the demand in an already beleaguered market. The company, like other automakers in Pakistan, has attributed the need for such price increases to the challenging economic conditions and various hurdles faced by the industry.

    As Pakistan’s car industry continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis, consumers and stakeholders are anxiously awaiting measures from the government and industry leaders to stabilise the market and provide relief to both manufacturers and customers alike.

  • Andrew Tate indicted on human trafficking and rape charges in Romania

    Andrew Tate indicted on human trafficking and rape charges in Romania

    Andrew Tate, along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian associates, are facing criminal charges of rape, human trafficking, and leading an organised crime group for the sexual exploitation of women.

    According to the indictment presented to a Bucharest court, the four defendants are accused of forming an organized criminal group in 2021 with the aim of engaging in human trafficking in Romania, as well as the U.S. and the U.K.

    The indictment names seven alleged victims who state they were deceived by the Tate brothers on false promises of love and marriage.

    All the defendants have denied the allegations. The Tate brothers were initially arrested at their Bucharest home in December and were later granted house arrest in March by a Romanian judge.

    The judge now has a 60-day period to review case files before sending it to trial. There are also ongoing investigations into other alleged crimes such as money laundering and trafficking of minors, which may result in separate indictments.

    Assets belonging to the accused, including properties, cars, and over $300 million in cryptocurrency, have been seized. However, the trial is not expected to begin immediately and is likely to last several years.

    Andrew Tate, a British-American former kickboxer, gained notoriety in 2016 when he was expelled from the British TV show Big Brother due to a video showing him apparently assaulting a woman. Despite a temporary ban from Twitter for controversial comments blaming women for sexual assault, he later had his account reinstated.

    Andrew Tate has amassed a substantial following among young men, due to his flagrant display of hyper-masculinity and a luxurious lifestyle.

  • Government mulling handing over Karachi Ports to UAE

    Government mulling handing over Karachi Ports to UAE

    In a last-ditch attempt to raise much needed foreign exchange, Pakistan’s government is planning to finalise a deal to hand over Karachi’s port terminals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    This move may constitute the first intergovernmental transaction under the Intergovernmental Commercial Transactions Act, a law which was enacted last year in 2022. This law is aimed at selling state assets on a fast-track basis to raise funds.

    Last year, Pakistan’s coalition government created the effective-immediately bill to raise emergency funds.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar chaired the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions on Monday. A decision was made to set up a committee that would negotiate a commercial agreement between the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the UAE government, as reported by The Express Tribune.

    The negotiation committee constituted to finalise a framework agreement will be headed by the Minister for Maritime Affairs, Faisal Sabzwari. Committee members include the additional secretaries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, the special assistant to PM Jehanzeb Khan, the Chairman of the Karachi Port Terminal (KPT), and the general managers of the KPT.

    The UAE government had shown interest in acquiring the Karachi port terminals that were under the administrative control of Pakistan International Containers Terminals (PICT) last year. However, for now, PICT will maintain operational control over the ports.

    The Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMa) released the following statement, as reported by Dawn: “KPT was of the view that they couldn’t operate the terminal due to lack of time and resources and interface with the clients/shipping lines and the timeframe for bidding had lapsed and the events have created an unforeseeable situation where the time limits laid down for open or other methods of procurement cannot be met.”

    The MoMA said and went on to report that “the (KPT) has, therefore, recommended that in the given circumstance only PICT is in a position to provide management services to keep the terminal operational”.

    According to The Express Tribune, sources indicate that the government needs to be extra careful when finalising a deal with the UAE, considering it is the first transaction of its kind and the outgoing operator is posing some challenges.

    Pakistan’s IMF loan of $6.5 billion was signed in 2019 and is set to terminate on June 30. Its termination date drawing closer has sent panic through the Pakistani government. Already suffering one of the worst economic crises Pakistan has faced, the threat of the country defaulting looms ominously near.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with the ambassadors the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the European Union, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Sharif wants to rouse support for the revival of Pakistan’s stalled deal with the IMF.

    The prime minister stressed that the government was keen to get at least the $ 1.2 billion IMF loan tranche out of the remaining $2.6 billion, which is attached with the completion of the pending 9th review of the program, according to sources at The Week.

  • OGRA proposes Rs10 million fine for oil companies involved in illegal petroleum stocking and distribution

    OGRA proposes Rs10 million fine for oil companies involved in illegal petroleum stocking and distribution

    The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended severe penalties for those involved in the illegal storage, handling, and distribution of petroleum products in Pakistan. OGRA has proposed amendments to Sections 285-B and 285-C of the Pakistan Penal Code to address this issue.

    According to OGRA’s proposal to the Cabinet Division, individuals or oil marketing companies found guilty of unauthorised storage and handling of petroleum for the purpose of sale, resale, transport, or distribution to consumers could face up to ten years in prison or a fine of up to Rs10 million. The regulatory body emphasises that such unauthorised activities have detrimental effects on society, particularly innocent individuals who may unknowingly be exposed to unsafe petroleum products.

    The proposed amendments aim to address the existing gaps in the legal framework related to the handling of explosive substances, fire or combustible materials, and machinery that can cause harm to human life and property damage. While Sections 285, 286, and 287 of the Pakistan Penal Code already deal with these issues, they do not specifically cover the illicit sale, distribution, production, storage, or handling of petroleum products.

    To rectify this, OGRA has recommended the insertion of Section-A 285-B and 285-C in the Pakistan Penal Code. These new sections would serve to safeguard human life and property by imposing strict penalties for unlicensed handling of petroleum products and explosive substances, as well as unauthorised manufacturing of machinery and equipment.

    The proposed amendments align with the constitutional provisions of Pakistan, which ensure that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property except in accordance with the law. By introducing these new measures, OGRA aims to deter illegal activities in the oil and gas sector, protect public safety, and maintain a regulated and lawful environment for the industry.

    The recommendations made by OGRA are now under consideration by the Cabinet Division. If approved and implemented, the proposed amendments would serve as a strong deterrent against the illegal handling and distribution of petroleum products, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Pakistani public.