Author: newsdesk

  • Indian batters should learn playing pace and swing from Babar, says Nasir Hussain

    Indian batters should learn playing pace and swing from Babar, says Nasir Hussain

    Former England captain Nasser Hussain has advised Indian batsmen to learn how to handle pace and swing from Babar Azam and Kane Williams.
    He gave the remarks after India’s 209-run defeat against Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

    In an interview with a sports channel, Hussain expressed disappointment with the batting performance of the Indian team and suggested that their top-order batsmen should observe the techniques employed by Pakistan’s Babar Azam and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson when facing the seam and swing ball.

    He mentioned that Babar and Williamson exhibit patience by playing the swing ball late, which is a valuable lesson for Indian batsmen.

    Renowned Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar also criticized Virat Kohli’s shot selection, questioning his technique despite scoring over 70 centuries.

    Gavaskar pointed out that Kohli often plays the out-swinger too far ahead of the off-stump, resulting in poor shot selection and a compromised head position.

    Gavaskar emphasized that such non-serious shots may be acceptable when the team is in a winning position, but during crucial moments, when a century is required, Kohli should refrain from rushing to play the out-swinger, particularly with three slips waiting to capitalize on any mistakes.

  • Budget, May 9 top agendas during PM-COAS meeting

    Budget, May 9 top agendas during PM-COAS meeting

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday at PM house, right after the presentation of the federal budget, DAWN has reported.

    The National Assembly later passed a resolution right after the meeting that demands instant prosecution of the miscreants involved in the May 9 attack on state and military installations under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952.

    No communication about the meeting has been released but according to sources close to the Prime Minister, he did meet the COAS.

    Reportedly, the Geberal said that there will be no mercy for the planners, instigators and motivators involved in the May 9 riots and their cases will be tried under the Army Act. The meeting between the PM and COAS is also considered important in the backdrop of the recent fiscal budget presentation.

    In a tweet, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said, despite the domestic and global obstacles, budget 2023-2024 promises to turn things around and shape an unobstructed path for the country.

  • ‘Mission Majnu agaya’: Pakistani Twitter users roast economics professor for spreading fake news

    ‘Mission Majnu agaya’: Pakistani Twitter users roast economics professor for spreading fake news

    Mission Majnu Part 2 shuru?

    Yehi tou lagta hai Steve Hanke babu ko, who took to Twitter to share a video of smoke rising from a building, claiming that it was a nuclear power plant in Karachi, and then proceeded to blame authorities for not taking the matter seriously.

    We would also like to point out that Steve Hank is a professor of Economics at the very prestigious John Hopkins. A professor of his stature is expected to share only the truth.

    https://twitter.com/steve_hanke/status/1668329656087629824?s=20

    Except, its not true. The video, from 12th June, is not of a nuclear power plant blast but its from a fire at a grid station in DHA, which left residents without light for hours.

    But if Pakistanis are good at anything, it is making memes to roast others. And we got some hilarious responses.

    Quick someone fly Sidharth Malhotra to Karachi!

    Mission Majnu say fact checking seekhien sir!

    https://twitter.com/legsidehack/status/1668497941256888327?s=20
    https://twitter.com/SeaweeedBrain_/status/1668353773326983180?s=20

  • Inventory shortage forces Pak Suzuki to extend motorcycle plant shutdown

    Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) has officially announced the extension of the shutdown of its motorcycle plant until June 16, 2023. The decision was conveyed to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through a notice on Tuesday. The company attributed this action to ongoing government restrictions on imports, which have negatively impacted the automotive industry and resulted in a shortage of inventory.

    The notice stated, “Due to shortage of inventory level, the management of the company has decided to shut down motorcycle plant from June 12, 2023 to June 16, 2023.” However, the automobile plant will continue its operations as usual.

    Previously, PSMC had temporarily closed its motorcycle plant until June 10, 2023, due to a shortage of raw materials. Furthermore, both the automobile and motorcycle plants had experienced a shutdown from May 2 to May 9. Similarly, the automobile plant underwent closure from April 7 to April 28.

    As an assembler, manufacturer, and marketer of Suzuki cars, pickups, vans, 4x4s, motorcycles, and related spare parts, PSMC plays a crucial role in the automotive sector. The Suzuki brand, originating from Japan, holds prominence in the company’s product lineup.

    Earlier in April, PSMC reported its highest-ever quarterly loss of Rs12.9 billion for the first quarter of 2023. The decline in sales and substantial finance costs were cited as contributing factors. In comparison, the company had incurred a loss of Rs460.227 million during the same period last year.

    The auto industry in Pakistan is currently grappling with numerous challenges. Indus Motor Company Limited and Honda Atlas Cars, two other prominent listed companies, have also halted production in recent months due to economic hardships.

    The country’s auto sector heavily relies on imports, making it particularly vulnerable to the government’s import restrictions and the tightening of Letters of Credit iissuance. Furthermore, soaring finance costs and significant increases in car prices have dampened consumer demand.

  • ‘The beauty of humanity’: Adnan Siddiqui recalls kindness of stranger during Maat shooting

    ‘The beauty of humanity’: Adnan Siddiqui recalls kindness of stranger during Maat shooting

    The Pakistani drama ‘Maat’ aired over eleven years ago and featured a thrilling love triangle between two sisters Aiman (played by Amina Sheikh) and Saman (played by Saba Qamar) who fall in love with the same man, Faisal (played by Adnan Siddifiqui).

    Faisal first proposes for Saman’s hand in marriage, but after her rejection, he turns to Aiman. Watching Aiman and Faisal happy drives Saman to jealousy and she begins to plot the downfall of her sister.

    Years after the serial aired, Siddiqui took to Instagram to share a sweet memory of meeting a neighbor who lived next to the house where the drama was shot, and how an accidental encounter led to a memorable dinner, which the actor still remembers years on.

    The actor shared that once when he was heading back to the set after fearing he lost his wallet, he spotted the late Mr. Maroof pacing around worried because no one had visited him for dinner. The neighbor requested Siddiqui to join him for dinner, which the actor recalled was an incredibly memorable experience:

    “In that moment, I was struck by the extraordinary character and values that Maroof sahib embodied. Though he had limited means, his heart overflowed with generosity. His insistence on sharing his modest meal revealed a profound philosophy of life—one that emphasises the importance of giving, sharing, and finding fulfillment in serving others.”

    The experience taught him that true wealth is never about how much money we have, but how much we care.

    Read his complete statement below:

  • Babar Azam’s birthday could create unforgettable memories for cricket fans

    Babar Azam’s birthday could create unforgettable memories for cricket fans

    Pakistan cricket skipper Babar Azam’s birthday this year is not just a delight for the batsman himself, but it will also bring immense joy to cricket fans of Indo-Pak across the world.

    According to the schedule sent by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for World Cup 2023, the eagerly awaited Pakistan-India match is likely to be held on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

    Babar Azam will celebrate his 29th birthday on October 15, coinciding with the potential Pakistan-India World Cup match on the same day.

    BCCI has finalised the World Cup schedule and submitted it to the ICC. The final schedule of the World Cup is expected to be released this week.

    The ICC has shared the schedule with participating countries of the World Cup for feedback.

    Each team participating in the World Cup will play 9 league matches.

    Media reports suggest that the World Cup will commence on October 5 this year at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the final scheduled for November 19, also at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

    The opening match of the World Cup will be played between defending champions England and New Zealand.

  • Bilawal Bhutto expresses sorrow over death of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has expressed sorrow over the death of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
    “Saddened to learn that former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has passed away. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and the people of Italy.” wrote Bilawal.

    Silvio Berlusconi passed away on Monday at the age of 86. As per CNN, he was long regarded as Italy’s most colorful public figure. He was elected prime minister three times and served for a total of nine years, longer than anyone since fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.

    He was nicknamed “Il Cavaliere” (The Knight). He has been involved in different political, financial and personal scandals which landed him in court.

  • ‘How can I provide evidence when I could not register an FIR against Gen Faisal’: Imran Khan

    ‘How can I provide evidence when I could not register an FIR against Gen Faisal’: Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has addressed news reports about his appearance in front of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on Monday. Taking to Twitter, the former Prime Minister asked how could provide evidence against Major General Faisal Naseer when he was unable to register an FIR against him. Khan added, if the investigation were independent, he would prove that Naseer has been involved in crimes against citizens of Pakistan.

    “Firstly, I own everything what I said in the videos. Question is, how can I provide evidence when I could not register an FIR against Gen Faisal Naseer who I know was not only behind the plot to assassinate me (along with Rana Sanaullah and Shehbaz Sharif) but also in the cover up that followed where he sabotaged the JIT report which had concluded that three shooters were involved,” he wrote.
    He went on to add, “However, were there to be an independent investigation, I would prove that he has been involved in the worst crimes against our citizens.”

    Imran reportedly told the (JIT) that he has no proof that DGC Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Maj Gen Faisal Naseer threatened him and had no evidence to support his allegations against the military man.
    In the past, Imran asserted that Naseer had orchestrated an attempted assassination in November 2022, when Khan was shot at in Wazirabad, sustaining injuries to his leg. Khan also claimed that Faisal Naseer had a hand in the murder of known journalist Arshad Sharif.
    The former Prime Minister has used the term “Dirty Harry” many times in his speeches, referring to Naseer.

    The interrogation was done against the First Information Report (FIR )no 255/23 registered in Ramna Police Station. The JIT session was held at the office of Islamabad Police DIG (operations). The JIT explained the major points of the FIR while officials showed Imran Khan video clips in which he was accusing the DGC of abuse and planning his assassination.
    The following questions were asked from Imran:
    JIT: Do (you) own these clips?
    Imran: Yes.
    JIT: Do u have any proof of your allegations that you can present?
    Imran: No.
    JIT: Did Gen Faisal directly threaten you?
    Imran: No.
    JIT: Then why did (you) level allegations?
    Imran: Someone told me.
    JIT: Any proof or evidence?
    Imran: No.
    JIT: Why did you name DGI?
    Imran: He did a press conference.
    JIT: Have you met Gen Faisal?
    Imran: No.
    JIT: Who do you refer to as Dirty Harry?
    Imran: Gen Faisal.

  • Lupita Nyong’o wears breastplate designed by Pakistani artist Misha Japanwala

    Lupita Nyong’o wears breastplate designed by Pakistani artist Misha Japanwala

    Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o wore a stunning tuxedo and breastplate to the Tony Awards. She shared pictures of the silver breastplate designed for her by Yale college buddy and artist Misha Japanwala on Instagram, calling it an “out of body experience” in the post.

    “Honored, humbled, strengthened and energized to don this breastplate created by @mishajapanwala, which she cast and molded of my body.”

    Speaking about the significance of the body art, Nyong’o quoted Japanwala’s explanation about how her craft is designed to help destigmatize shame, and help women embrace themselves for who they are.

    “She writes, ‘The word ‘beghairat’ (translation: shameless) has become an anchor in my practice; thousands of people have used it to describe me and the work I create, in an effort to insult and shame me into silence. In reclaiming the word and understanding that the rejection of others’ narrow definitions of shame is one of the most powerful tools for liberation, I’ve come to deeply appreciate and respect what living a life of shamelessness truly means. My craft pertains to documenting our existence in the most truthful way I possibly can — I change nothing about the body and how it looks.I think that act of surrendering and allowing our bodies to simply be, is such a beautiful and powerful thing.’”

    Nyong’o also shared a video of her look for the Tony Awards, where she celebrated her best friend Saheem Ali’s nomination for ‘Fat Ham’.

    Lyongo also shared the forehead tattoo henna artist Sabeen, whom she had met in Karachi at Japanwala’s wedding, painted onto her shaved head

  • Bykea ride-hailing app hacked in Pakistan

    Bykea ride-hailing app hacked in Pakistan

    The popular ride-hailing app Bykea was recently hacked in Pakistan, resulting in the official application sending inappropriate messages to Bykea app users. At present, it remains unclear how and by whom the app was hacked.

    The recent security breach in Bykea has made users worried. They depend on the app for their everyday transportation needs, and this breach not only puts their privacy at risk but also shakes their trust in the app’s ability to keep their personal information safe.

    Considering this incident, it is extremely important for both users and service providers to understand the increasing significance of strong cybersecurity measures. As the digital world continues to advance, companies must actively protect their platforms from potential threats. At the same time, users need to stay informed and follow best practices to safeguard their personal data.

    Bykea operates as a platform that connects motorbike owners with people and parcels in need of transportation. This arrangement allows motorbike owners to earn extra money while offering affordable logistics solutions. Bykea’s cash-on-delivery technology enables instant transactions in a developing payments market, playing a pioneering role in the growth of e-commerce in Pakistan.

    Currently, over two hundred thousand motorbike owners have installed the partner app, connecting with more than two million users in Karachi, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, and Lahore.