Author: newsdesk

  • Pak Suzuki follows Atlas Honda’s lead, raises motorcycle prices amid economic crisis

    Pak Suzuki follows Atlas Honda’s lead, raises motorcycle prices amid economic crisis

    In the midst of Pakistan’s economic crisis, the country’s automobile industry is struggling to stay afloat. One of the major players in the two-wheeler market, Pak Suzuki Motors, has recently increased the prices of its motorcycles due to the continuous devaluation of the rupee.

    This comes as no surprise since Pakistan’s auto industry heavily depends on imports and has been facing obstacles due to restrictions on the opening of letters of credit (LCs) after the rupee’s depreciation.

    According to a notification sent by the company to its dealers, the new rates will apply from May 9 and remain unchanged until further notice. The retail prices include the ex-factory product price and freight charges incurred on motorcycles that are delivered to dealerships.

    The notification mentioned that the rate of GD110s has increased to Rs335,000, GS150 to Rs364,000, GSX125 to Rs488,000, GR150 to Rs521,000, and GW250JP to Rs1.04 million.

    It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time the automobile industry has seen such a price hike. Atlas Honda, Pakistan’s biggest player in the two-wheeler segment in terms of market share, recently increased its motorcycle prices for the fourth time this year, making them more expensive by Rs5,000-15,000.

    As the industry continues to face hindrances, it remains to be seen how it will adapt to the current economic conditions.

    Here are the new prices for all Suzuki motorcycles:

    Motorcycle Price (in PKR)
    GD110s Rs335,000
    GS150 Rs364,000
    GSX125 Rs488,000
    GR150 Rs521,000
    GW250JP Rs1,040,000
  • Asad Umar suggests that Asim Munir and Khan should be locked in one room so they can talk

    Asad Umar suggests that Asim Munir and Khan should be locked in one room so they can talk

    Senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Asad Umar has suggested that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and his party’s chief Imran Khan should have a one-on-one discussion in a room and that room should be locked so they can sort out the matter alone.

    Speaking on Meher Bokhari’s show on ARY News: Khabar, Umar said that an open discussion should take place and whatever reservations they have for each other, should be placed on the table.

    He also noted that it is possible that there are some actors who are trying to create distance between Imran and General Munir.

    When asked about Khan’s recent allegations against General Faisal Naseer, Umar admitted Khan has serious reservations about him, however, he doesn’t have a problem with the establishment.

    It is pertinent to mention that Khan’s repeated criticism of the establishment has created barriers for him to now amend his relations with the institution.

    Last week Khan levelled serious allegations that General Faisal had plotted his assassination attempt. He also alleged that he is behind journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder and Swati’s custodial torture.

  • Pakistan buys Russian oil amid chronic energy shortages

    Pakistan, which is facing a severe economic crisis and chronic energy shortages, has turned to Russia for oil imports. However, Pakistan’s petroleum minister, Musadik Malik, believes that the future of energy lies in diversification, particularly towards green energy sources.

    During his visit to the United States, Malik confirmed that Pakistan had placed an initial order for Russian oil, which will arrive within a month, and based on the results, the country will assess how much to import in the future.

    Pakistan, which imports 84 per cent of its petroleum products, mainly from Gulf Arab allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has been transparent about its dealings with Russia. Malik stated that their initial dealings with Moscow were far less than those of other countries, particularly China and India, whose enthusiastic buying of Russian oil has cast a shadow over India’s warming relationship with Washington.

    Malik spoke with US companies during his visit about buying shale liquified natural gas, upgrading Pakistani refineries and storage facilities, exploring offshore oil and gas and starting horizontal drilling, a method that Pakistan has not yet used.

    However, he emphasized that his talks with the United States also included support for green energy sources, in line with Pakistan’s goal of generating 30 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030, including a plan for widespread solar power on rooftops.

    Pakistan is one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, with floods last year submerging one-third of the country. Geoffrey Pyatt, the assistant secretary of state for energy resources, has promised US backing for Pakistan’s renewable goals during his visit to the country.

    According to France24, Malik also believes that the future of energy security lies in green energy sources. Although Pakistan’s share of Russian oil imports is small, it helps, and the country is open to cheaper sources of energy.

  • ‘I have to control my anger, because my husband does not like it’: Alia Bhatt

    Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt has recently given an interview to Vice India in which she opened about how hard she has to try to control her anger because her husband Ranbir Kapoor doesn’t like it.

    During the interview, Bhatt shared her perspective on the seven deadly sins, which include lust, envy, pride, wrath, sloth, greed, and gluttony.
    “I envy my husband Ranbir because he has a saint-like mind,” said Alia while talking about her superstar spouse.

    Offering up more details on her relationship with Kapoor, Alia Bhatt said that the one thing that angers her is incompetence. Explaining further, she said, “The one thing that immediately puts me into a fit of anger is incompetence and I have to try very hard to control my anger because my husband doesn’t like it if my voice goes above this decibel because he thinks it is not fair, and that it is important to be kind even when you are unhappy.”

  • ‘Stop making false allegations’: ISPR warns Imran Khan

    ‘Stop making false allegations’: ISPR warns Imran Khan

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has termed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s allegations against General Faisal Naseer “highly irresponsible”.

    Strongly condemning his allegations, the media wing of the army said that the accusations are baseless and noted that, “This has been a consistent pattern for last one year wherein military and intelligence agencies officials are targeted”.

    Moreover, ISPR warned Khan to “stop making false allegations” because the “institution reserves the right to take legal course of action against patently false and malafide statements and propaganda.”

    Zardari, Shehbaz defend General Faisal also known as Khan’s ‘Dirty Harry’ after Khan’s allegations

    Earlier, prominent politicians including Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari strongly denounced the accusations made by Khan against General Faisal Naseer.

    In a tweet, Shehbaz condemned the accusations, writing that, “Khan’s leveling of allegations without any proof against Gen Faisal Naseer and officers of our Intelligence Agency cannot be allowed and will not be tolerated.”

    Replying to Shehbaz, Imran Khan asked whether he has a right as a citizen “to nominate those who he feels are responsible for assassination attacks.”

    Former President Zardari also slammed Khan, saying that the allegations against General Faisal are actually an attack on the institution with which the whole of Pakistan stands.

    “A person is fooling his innocent workers with lies and deceit, I see the downfall of this person”, Zardari added.

    Punjab Interim Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi also came to rescue General Faisal, stating that, “We will not allow anyone to humiliate or threaten our institutions and Intelligence agencies in Punjab.”

    Earlier, Khan made serious allegations that the general plotted his assassination. Khan alleged that he is behind journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder and Swati’s custodial torture.

  • FBR officers request leave until June to protest against low salary amid soaring inflation

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is in the midst of a predicament as its officers have apparently requested leave until June in order to protest against the rising inflation that is affecting their ability to make ends meet.

    In a letter addressed to the FBR Chairman Asim Ahmed, 117 Income Tax officers ranging from grades 17 to 19 have expressed their discontent with a meagre pay scale.

    “Due to low pay, we are unable to meet the expenses of coming to the office in this era of skyrocketing inflation,” the letter stated.

    This issue is extremely worrisome as the absence of these officers during the crucial budgeting process could have grave consequences for the country’s economy since the FBR is accountable for collecting taxes and revenue for the government.

    According to ARY News, the FBR Chairman has promised to raise the matter of the officers’ salary scale with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Additionally, he mentioned that the tax officers’ performance allowance has been withheld since 2015.

    It’s worth noting that an FBR officer made a peculiar request in a separate incident. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the officer requested permission to engage in corrupt activities in order to cover domestic expenses in the face of soaring inflation.

  • All-black everything: Kia Sportage Black Edition launches in Pakistan

    All-black everything: Kia Sportage Black Edition launches in Pakistan

    Kia Lucky Motor Corporation has introduced a new version of its Sportage SUV, named the ‘Black Limited Edition.’ This latest model is the top-of-the-line version of Sportage in Pakistan.

    The company recently held an unveiling event of the vehicle for its clients and industry experts in major cities across Pakistan, where they discussed the enhancements made to the latest variant.

    The ‘Black Edition’ is primarily a cosmetic package and comes exclusively with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) powertrain configuration. The new variant features a gloss black front grille, 19″ gloss black alloy rims, gloss black rear scuff-plate, dark-satin mouldings, darkened Kia, Sportage, and AWD emblems, and an all-black leather-wrapped interior. However, the primary features and performance figures of the new model remain the same as the standard Sportage.

    Kia plans to produce the ‘Black Edition’ for a limited time, which could last up to a year. While the new model is visually appealing, its price is relatively high compared to other SUVs on the market. According to Pakwheels, the Sportage Black Edition is priced at Rs9.05 million, which is significantly more than its competitors like the MG HS and Hyundai Tucson.

    Despite the cost, given the Sportage’s overall popularity, the ‘Black Edition’ may still prove to be a big success.

  • Indian Congress leader called out for requesting journalists to not give ‘platform’ to Bilawal

    Senior Congress leader and Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is being called out by Indian journalists for requesting Indian media to not give any space on their platforms to dignitaries visiting from neighbouring countries.

    The Indian leader was referring to Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s interview conducted by different news outlets.

    “Would request my friends in the media to not give any prime time space to the dignitaries visiting from our neighbouring country who constantly call for the break up of our country from foreign soil. They don’t deserve a platform here,” the tweet by Singhvi read.

    Indian Journalist, Smita Sharma who mostly reports on foreign affairs, called out Singhvi for his advice saying that foreign leaders are not supposed to get government’s clearance before interviewing foreign leaders.

    “Our ministers should give I/Vs to Foreign press/critical publications to make their case instead of turning a Foreign Policy event into a domestic poll campaign. Journos are not supposed to get govt clearance before interviewing Foreign leaders who are not on some sanctions list,” she wrote.

    Suhasini Haidar who also interviewed Bilawal Bhutto in a tweet called the request “bizarre logic”. “Absolutely bizarre logic-Govt of India invites leaders to a conference, extends full hospitality and courtesies to them, but journalists covering the event must not do their job, must not try and interview the leaders invited?” she wrote.

    Amit Malviya, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT cell chief Amit Malviya called the journalists who interviewed BBZ “serviceable” by Pakistan.
    “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari wanted to use the opportunity (SCO) to speak directly to the Indian people through our press and seemed to have asked to specifically meet two or three journalists considered by Pakistan to be ‘serviceable’,” he said.
    Suhasini Haider, while replying to the accusation said, “Not sure what you mean by “serviceable”, Mr. Malviya, but your personal attacks on Indian journalists is unwarranted, and doesn’t behoove the IT cell chief of the ruling party of a proud democracy like India.”

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari went to India last week to attend a moot of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) being held in Goa today (Thursday).

  • From prisoner to artist: Guantanamo Bay detainee showcases work at Karachi exhibition

    From prisoner to artist: Guantanamo Bay detainee showcases work at Karachi exhibition

    Ahmed Rabbani, a 53-year-old Pakistani who was recently released after 20 years of detention at Guantanamo Bay, turned to painting to satisfy his artistic yearnings. When he ran out of paint, he used whatever he could find, including dirt, coffee grinds, and spices such as turmeric from the prison canteen.

    “Through painting, I would feel myself outside Guantanamo,” he said at an exhibition of his work in Karachi. Rabbani was detained in September 2002 and handed over to the US Central Intelligence Agency for a bounty of $5,000. He was accused of being a notorious militant known as Hassan Ghul, but Rabbani always insisted it was a case of mistaken identity. He and his brother were never charged or faced trial during their detention.

    The US Senate published a Rendition Report in 2014, which revealed that Ghul was captured and brought to the same prison, only to be released back to Pakistan for “cooperating.” While Ghul went back to his terrorist ways and was killed in a drone strike in 2012, Ahmed got a one-way trip to Guantanamo Bay.

    Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Rabbani moved back to Karachi as a teen and was a taxi driver at the time of his detention. He specialised in guiding visitors from the Middle East, which contributed to him being misidentified.

    While imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, painting became an obsession for Rabbani, although years spent on hunger strike meant he was often too frail to even hold a brush. If he ran out of materials, he would improvise by using a piece of discarded or torn clothes as a canvas. He would also use coffee or turmeric as a medium.

    Around two dozen pieces of Rabbani’s artwork, which he was allowed to take from prison, are on display at “The Unforgotten Moon: Liberating Art from Guantanamo Bay” exhibition. The works are displayed alongside pieces by local artists who have “re-imagined” paintings that were confiscated. “He is someone who has lost so much of his life, so to produce images of this quality is a miracle… it’s remarkable,” said Natasha Malik, curator and organiser of the exhibition.

    Rabbani, sporting a salt-and-pepper beard and wearing a traditional shalwar kameez and waistcoat, was the centre of attention at the exhibition opening. He plans to publish a cookery book with his memoirs in it and wants to open a restaurant based on recipes he learned while in prison. He hopes to use funds raised from the sale of his artwork to achieve this.

    His artwork depicts his hopes and despair, and some pieces express his yearnings for freedom, such as nature seen through narrow openings, birds flying, and endless oceans. One painting shows a cage containing bright orange fish, the colour of overalls Guantanamo prisoners were forced to wear. “I spent many years in orange,” he said. “I never accepted their laws. I would always break their laws.”

  • Video: It used to annoy me but now I enjoy it: Iftikhar Ahmed on being called ‘Chachu’

    Video: It used to annoy me but now I enjoy it: Iftikhar Ahmed on being called ‘Chachu’

    Ifitikhar Ahmed is Pakistan’s most reliable middle order batter, and the frequent target of a chant that fans have tailored just for him.

    The batsman was recently asked by a journalist what he felt when fans chant ‘chachu chachu’ (uncle) on the field.

    He answered the question in a very sweet manner, stating:

    “See, first I used to get annoyed when people chant chachu chachu about me but I am now enjoying it. It is not a bad thing, it is not an abusive chant, it is a good thing for me.

    When Shahid Afridi steps into the ground, the crowd immediately stands up and chants boom boom and now they chant chachu chachu, so I really enjoy it.”

    Iftikhar Ahmed also said that wherever he goes to play, the crowd supports him. “Be happy and let me be happy,” he added.
    Ifitkhar Ahmed scored a crucial fifty on the finisher of One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, proving himself as a reliable middle order batter.

    Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, during the post-match press conference, also mentioned feeling embarrassed that Iftikhar is known as ‘Chahcha’ because of his jokes.

    However, despite this feeling, he is happy that people enjoy it.

    Babar also praised Iftikhar’s abilities and acknowledged that he has been playing great cricket for the past few months.

    “Sometimes, I feel embarrassed that due to me Iftikhar is now known as ‘Chacha’ but I am happy that people enjoy it. He gave some brilliant performances in T20 cricket and today he took the game deep alone but unfortunately, he didn’t get support from the other end.

    “That is why we gave him a chance in ODIs because he has been playing great cricket for the last five-six months and we were struggling on those numbers so we are getting a lot of help from Iftikhar and Salman Ali Agha,” Babar said.