Author: newsdesk

  • It is our responsibility to get our workers out from jails: Fawad Ch

    It is our responsibility to get our workers out from jails: Fawad Ch

    Former Pakistan Tehreek–e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail and Mahboob Maulvi held a press conference outside Central Jail Rawalpindi (also known as Adiala Jail) on Wednesday, after meeting Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    Former PTI leader Aamir Kiani was also present in the meeting in which reportedly, the four leaders asked Qureshi to leave the party.

    However in the presser, Fawad said that he had a detailed discussion with Qureshi regarding the current political situation, adding that “we” have to find a solution.

    The former minister said that many PTI supporters are in jail, and it is their responsibility to get them out.

    “We cannot leave open ground for the opposition in present circumstances,” he remarked, adding that the group had also had discussions with Asad Umar, Parvez Khattak, Asad Qaiser, Hammad Azhar and Ali Zaidi.

  • Grieving son spent two years of his life at mother’s grave

    Grieving son spent two years of his life at mother’s grave

    An Algerian boy has received empathy from thousands of social media users after he was found in a derelict state, living next to his mother’s grave in a local cemetery.

    Ismail Beraba, a young man from the province of Adrar in southern Algeria, has been living in the cemetery for years after his mother died.

    According to The Gulf report, Ismail’s mother died two years ago, leaving him suffering from intense grief. He decided to live next to his mother’s grave.

    The governor of the state of Adrar has instructed the Directorate of Health and Population to take care of Ismael’s medical treatment and to examine him physically and psychologically, to determine the extent of the need for hospitalisation.

  • ‘A love like this’: Nadia Jamil shares how her parents fell in love, moves Twitter to tears

    Nadia Jamil took to Twitter to share how her parents, famous businessman Abdul Jalil Jamil and Nusrat Jamil, met and came to fall in love.

    The powerhouse actress, who lost her father after a long illness in May, wrote down her parents’ love story for her followers.

    “And then they married…4 years after they met. Ma raised in an army family, Abu an old Delhi Saudagran Business family man. Ami down to Earth,practical, political, an activist who loves 2 dance. Abu a poet,philosopher,Sufi lover of Allah & nature! Both avid lovers of literature.”

    The ‘Behadd’ actress then shared a sweet picture from her parents wedding day, in which her father can be seen feeding grapes to her mother.

    Jamil’s moving tribute to her parents made all of us teary eyes, and so did Twitter.

  • PIA’s Boeing 777 aircraft freed by Malaysian authorities, returns to Islamabad

    PIA’s Boeing 777 aircraft freed by Malaysian authorities, returns to Islamabad

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) successfully resolved the issue with its Boeing 777 aircraft, which was held by Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur. According to a spokesperson for PIA, the aircraft was released a few hours later and arrived in Islamabad late Monday night. The spokesperson stated that the matter was resolved through diplomatic channels.

    The incident occurred a day earlier when PIA flight PK-894 was halted upon reaching Kuala Lumpur, following court orders that issued a stay on the aircraft. The stay was related to issues concerning a lease requested by a foreign company. The PIA spokesperson clarified that the Boeing 777 aircraft is owned by PIA, and the engine leasing company had obtained the stay by submitting incorrect data to a Malaysian court.

    According to The News, the leasing company had falsely claimed $4.5 billion, whereas the actual amount owed by PIA to the leasing company was $1.8 billion, which had already been paid. The spokesperson emphasised that such cases of halting an aircraft and extorting money are unprecedented, particularly considering that both the leasing company and PIA are not local entities in Malaysia.

    Following the incident, PIA took legal action by approaching the court in Malaysia through its lawyers. The spokesperson confirmed that the matter is currently under consideration by the court.

    It is important to note that PIA had already arranged for the repatriation of the passengers from the affected flight through an alternative aircraft. The airline had previously announced that the aircraft would soon return home to resume its commercial flights.

    PIA’s prompt response and successful resolution of the issue reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety and smooth operations of its flights. The airline continues to prioritise the well-being of its passengers while upholding its professional reputation in the international aviation industry.

  • Yeh kya ho raha hay? Babar, Rizwan back in university

    Yeh kya ho raha hay? Babar, Rizwan back in university

    Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan went back into university life as the batting duo joined the prestigious Harvard Business School’s executive education programme on the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS), becoming the first two cricketers to join the prestigious school.

    Babar Azam on Monday night shared a picture on his Twitter account, reminding every student of hostel life, where everyone is tense and worried and studying hard just one night before an exam.

    Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan are the number two and three ranked batsman in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. Twitter reacted hilariously when the superstars shared a picture of them studying in a room.

    It is a proud moment for Pakistan as the two stars become the first ever cricketers to take part in this business course.
    In the press release issued by the management company of the two players, -Saya Corporation- it is said that the program taught at Harvard Business School in Boston will continue from May 31 to June 3. After which both will hold meetings with various communities in America till June 13.

    Details of Harvard Business Programme

    Programme details have been shared on the school’s website, where they have stated that the programme in which Babar and Rizwan are placed is called the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS). It is structured with new modules and techniques on how to develop new business, why some startups becomes successful and why some fail.

    It states that the need for digital technology is most felt in the entertainment industry today and the course discusses the latest approaches in this regard.

    This course will teach you how to make the best decisions, how to take advantage of market fluctuations and how to achieve long-lasting profits.

    Course fees stated on the website is $10,500 but it is not clear yet who is paying the fee of the two star players.

  • Feeling old? ‘Ye Jawaani hai Deewani’ happened 10 years ago

    Feeling old? ‘Ye Jawaani hai Deewani’ happened 10 years ago

    The coming-of-age film ‘Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani’ was released on screens 10 years ago. The cult classic became a momunental part of the changing Bollywood industry. The film revolves around four friends, and shifts between their time as young graduates to ten years later when they become adults Ranbir Kapoor starred as the energetic and lively Kabir, who always dreamed of a career in journalism and flying around the world, while Deepika Padukone played the studious and quiet Naina, who has a secret crush on Kabir but fears telling him so.

    To mark the occasion, fans from around the world, especially the cast and crew, celebrated by sharing hilarious anecdotes and heart warming messages for fans.

    Director Ayan Mukerjee shared a video clip of memorable moments, and also sent out a heartfelt message for fans who had supported the film since its release:

    “YJHD – My second child, a piece of my heart and soul – 10 years old today! ❤️

    I think after all these years, I can confidently say that…
    Making this movie was one of the greatest joys of my life! And what we achieved with it – with all its perfections and imperfections – is a source of great eternal pride for me!

    Strangely, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani fully from beginning to end, since the day it released …
    (Always pushing towards the next milestone, and not looking back enough…!)

    But when I’m older and wiser – I think I will watch the movie atleast once a year – because a big part of who I was and how I looked at life – is forever captured in this movie !

    In the recent months, I have often had people recognise me and come up to me… and I’m thinking they will say something about Brahmāstra, and then they started talking about YJHD !

    So, putting out a whole lot of gratitude for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani… and all the many people who connected deeply with the movie over the years ! ❤️

    Also sharing a Director’s Note I had written at the time, in my story which someone special from my team shared with me a few days ago… and it brought back all kinds of memories for me !”

    He even shared the director’s note on his Instagram stories where he had described the film as:

    Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a cocktail of all these encounters and obsessions… It is a story of the exhilarating and terrifying journey of four characters as they navigate through their youth; from their carefree laughter as they set off on a holiday together in their colleges days, until their bittersweet tears as they watch the first of their bunch get married. It is an effort to somehow capture the spirit of their lives, wrestle with it and give it to our audience in a bottle. So that it might make them feel happy and joyful and sad and nostalgic. And like the characters in the film, it might make them seek for what it is, in all of the above, that truly gives our lives meaning.”

    Mukerjee also posted never before seen pictures with Padukone and Kapoor:

    Actors like Padukone, and Kalki Kanmani celebrated the anniversary of the film with the ‘Bajirao Mastani’ actress taking to Instagram to share the trailer of the film with the caption: ‘A piece of my heart’

    While Kanmani, who played the outgoing and rough Aditi, recalled her experience by writing about how memorable working with the cast was:

    “How we’ve all grown and learnt since then and yet some things I can’t imagine any different, like @deepikapadukone will always be teaching us a dance step we can’t follow, @adityaroykapur will always be our big Lebowski, Ranbir will always play a prank that makes us squeal and @ayan_mukerji will always ask us uncomfortably personal questions that lead to the best conversations loved the memories we collected here, happy 10 years guys ”

    Fans on social media have celebrated the occasion by sharing their favorite scenes from the film:

    Fans of the film even shared some of their favorite dialogues, like the scene between Naina and Kabir when she tells him to learn to take life as it is rather than keep chasing the next best thing.

  • Minister of State for Finance and Revenue criticises IMF for interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs

    Minister of State for Finance and Revenue criticises IMF for interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs

    In a strong rebuke to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), State Minister for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha criticised the international lender for what she called “intervening” in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

    Speaking on Wednesday, the state minister asserted that Pakistan’s actions were within the boundaries of the law, dismissing the statement made by IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan, Nathan Porter, as “extraordinary.”

    While the IMF typically refrains from commenting on domestic politics, Porter had expressed the hope that Pakistan would find a peaceful way forward in line with the Constitution and the rule of law. The state minister expressed her dissatisfaction with the IMF’s involvement in Pakistan’s political situation, emphasising that the delay in reaching a staff-level agreement was detrimental to both Pakistan and the Fund.

    Dr Pasha confirmed reports that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reached out to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. In their conversation, the prime minister assured the IMF chief that Pakistan would fulfill all its obligations.

    On May 27, Prime Minister Shehbaz had contacted Georgieva, requesting her assistance in revitalising the stalled $6.5 billion facility. It is believed that the prime minister urged her intervention to facilitate the completion of the pending ninth review, which would unlock $1.1 billion in financing for the cash-strapped nation.

    Negotiations between the coalition government and the IMF have been ongoing since November to revive Pakistan’s bailout program, with the financing gap being a major hurdle. Approximately $2.7 billion remains to be disbursed from the $6.5 billion program, which is set to expire next month.

    Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s contingency plan if it fails to convince the IMF before the program’s expiry on June 30, the state minister stated that while there is always a “Plan B,” the Ministry of Finance’s priority is to revive the IMF program.

    With the federal budget announcement scheduled for June 9, both sides are hopeful of reaching a staff-level agreement before then. The successful conclusion of the agreement would provide a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s economy and help address its financial challenges.

    As the negotiations continue, the Pakistani government remains committed to meeting its obligations and finding a way forward to revive the IMF program, while asserting its sovereignty and independence in internal affairs.

  • Lyari rapper Eva B honored as first Pakistani woman to feature on Grammy’s Global Spin

    Only a year after ‘Kanna Yaari’ burst on our screens, there’s no stopping Eva B. The Lyari based rapper is setting milestones with her performance at the Grammy’s ‘Global Spin’ show with her song ‘Sunrise in Lyari’.

    The Global Spin is a platform where international artists are highlighted. Her track is described as ‘an infectious rap song about her roots in Karachi.” She had also exclusively written the song for the platform.

    Sharing the achievement on her Instagram page, the ‘Rozi’ rapper called this achievement a ‘testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”

    “In this moment, I’m overwhelmed with a mix of awe, gratitude, and a burning desire to represent my roots. Being a Pakistani woman to hit the Grammy GlobalSpin stage is a testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence. ”

    Eva B had won hearts across Pakistan with her upbeat hit ‘Rozi’ which she sang for the ‘Ms Marvel’ soundtrack and later featured alongside with actress Sonya Hussyn for ‘Khoon Hai Karachi Ka’ for the crime thriller film ‘Daadal’

  • Imran Khan’s medical reports do not hint at use of alcohol and cocaine: NAB

    Imran Khan’s medical reports do not hint at use of alcohol and cocaine: NAB

    The medical reports of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan with National Accountability Bureau (NAB) do not hint at alcohol and cocaine use, Ansar Abbasi has reported for The News.

    The source quoted by the reporter claimed to have reviewed the medical records, and said that Imran Khan’s health was normal.

    He said that Imran’s blood and urine samples were taken while he was in NAB’s custody.

    “The medical reports as available with NAB do not endorse what the health minister alleged,” the news report quoted a source.

    Imran Khan on Tuesday sent a Rs10 Billion defamation notice to Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel for sharing details about an alleged medical test conducted during his arrest, stating that the PTI chief had faked his fracture and that he is mentally unstable.

    Imran Khan asked the minister through the legal notice to, “retract his statements in the same mode and manner in which he made them in the first place”.

    The private medical reports of the tests that the government is said to have conducted on PTI leader Imran Khan earlier this month while he was under arrest were made public on Friday.

    The reports stated that Imran Khan’s mental stability was under question and that while no leg fractures were found, there was evidence of alcohol and an illicit substance in his urine.

  • Russian oil imports expected to reduce fuel prices slowly, says Musadik Malik

    Russian oil imports expected to reduce fuel prices slowly, says Musadik Malik

    At the Pakistan Energy Conference 2023, Minister of State for Petroleum, Musadik Malik, reassured the nation that the arrival of cheap oil from Russia would eventually lead to a decline in fuel prices. However, he cautioned that an immediate decrease should not be expected until a continuous supply of oil from Moscow is established.

    Minister Malik said that the import of Russian oil was not merely a promise or rhetoric. He confirmed that ships carrying the much-anticipated oil had already reached Oman and would commence supply to Pakistan within a week. While acknowledging that a single shipment would not significantly impact fuel costs, Malik expressed confidence that once a persistent supply was established, the price of fuel would gradually decrease.

    The government’s ambitious objective is to fulfill one-third of Pakistan’s crude oil requirements with affordable oil sources, including imports from Russia. The aim is to address the chronic energy shortages that Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populous country, has been grappling with. Currently, Pakistan imports 84 per cent of its petroleum products, primarily from Gulf Arab allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

    The import of cheap Russian oil represents one of Pakistan’s strategies to alleviate its energy crisis, as global efforts are underway to restrict Russia’s oil exports due to its invasion of Ukraine. During a visit to the United States earlier this month, Minister Malik confirmed that Pakistan had placed its first order for Russian oil, which is expected to arrive within a month. Upon evaluating the impact of this initial shipment, Pakistan will decide on the extent of future imports.

    When asked about the possibility of pursuing more Russian imports, Malik responded that Pakistan would prioritise cheaper energy sources to meet its energy requirements. The minister further emphasised that the government’s objective was to ensure a sustainable and affordable supply of low-cost energy, highlighting accessibility, sustainability, and affordability as the key pillars of this vision.

    In addition to the import of Russian oil, Malik mentioned the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project as another avenue to address the country’s energy needs. The government has conveyed to Iran its intention to access energy through the pipeline while remaining responsible and avoiding potential sanctions. Talks are underway with both sanctioning countries and Iran to find a creative solution to this matter.

    With Pakistan eagerly awaiting the arrival of cheap Russian oil, the government remains committed to securing a sustainable and affordable energy supply to meet the needs of its citizens. The gradual decline in fuel prices is expected to provide much-needed relief to the nation, addressing its chronic energy shortages and boosting economic growth in the process.