Category: Uncategorized

  • Dar stresses on providing maximum relief to the underprivileged sector of society

    Dar stresses on providing maximum relief to the underprivileged sector of society

    Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar urged the Ministry of Industries and Production on Saturday to develop a comprehensive strategy that would prioritise providing maximum relief to the least endowed sector.

    Dar, who was chairing a meeting to examine the prime minister’s relief package through Utility Stores Corporation (USC), said the current government was aware of the difficulties confronting the underprivileged section of society, which required maximal relief support.

    He went on to say that the government’s primary goal was to help the poor and that it was doing everything it could to help them.

    The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood, SAPM for Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM for Revenue Tariq Pasha, Secretary Finance, Secretary Industries and Production, MD USC, and senior authorities.

    The chair was informed about the PM’s relief package and subsidy on five vital products (pulses, wheat, sugar, rice, and ghee) granted by the USC to help the public.

    It was revealed that subsidised flour, sugar, rice, ghee, and pulses were being distributed to the populace across the country. The meeting also considered the financial ramifications of the subsidies.

    The finance minister also met with Federal Communications Minister Asad Mehmood here at the Finance Division.

    Financial SAPM The meeting was attended by Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Pasha, Secretary Finance, Secretary Communications, Chairman NHA, IG Motorway, and top officers.

    Asad Mehmood informed the finance minister of the financial status of various Communication Ministry agencies, including Motorway Police, Pakistan Post, and NHA.

    He also emphasised the organisations’ contributions to the country’s success and development.

    While acknowledging the contribution of the Ministry of Communication and its affiliated organisations to the country’s economic stability and progress, the finance minister stated that the current government was aware that a well-integrated communication network was critical for the country’s socioeconomic development and financial stability.

    According to APP, Dar also informed the communications minister that he would handle and resolve the concerns of the Communication Ministry’s organisations in order for them to perform better and contribute to Pakistan’s prosperity and development.

  • ‘No one will be allowed to defame us’: Army lashes out at Imran Khan

    ‘No one will be allowed to defame us’: Army lashes out at Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has named PM Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and an army officer, Major General Faisal Naseer, as the conspirators behind the assassination attempt on him in Wazirabad.

    The Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also demanded resignations from all three.

    Following the accusations, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) condemned the allegations and said: “The baseless and irresponsible allegations by chairman PTI against the institution and particularly a senior army officer are absolutely unacceptable and uncalled for.”

    Calling PTI chief Imran Khan’s allegations regrettable, the ISPR said honour and safety of its rank and file were being “tarnished by vested interests”. The institution will safeguard its officers and soldiers no matter what, the statement read.

    “No one will be allowed to defame the institution or its soldiers with impunity. Keeping this in view, the government of Pakistan has been requested to investigate the matter and initiate legal action against those responsible for defamation and false accusations against the institution and its officials without any evidence whatsoever,” added the army’s military wing in the statement.

    From the government’s side, federal ministers also called out Khan for accusing institutions without any evidence.

    Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, “Not only was Imran Khan making false accusations without any evidence, but the fact is that the attacker was in Punjab police’s custody and investigation was the responsibility of the Punjab government, not the federal government.”

    “For Almighty’s sake, I plead not to play the religion card. This is a dangerous path and could lead to serious consequences,” she stressed.

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Khan is a compulsive liar and said his whole media talk on Friday was nothing more than “baseless allegations”.

    In a press conference, the minister also said it is “very saddening” that Khan has named people for his attempted assassination without any investigation or proof.

    The minister added that the attack on the PTI march is an incident of religious extremism. However, he was of the view that, “PTI’s attitude towards the incident is also regrettable and condemnable.”

  • Sindh government approves Rs46 billion for reconstruction of roads damaged due to flood

    Sindh government approves Rs46 billion for reconstruction of roads damaged due to flood

    On Friday, the Sindh government approved a budget of Rs. 46 billion to restore streets and highways in the province’s flood-affected areas, Mudassir Nazir has reported for Samaa.

    Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister (CM) of Sindh, presided over a high-level provincial meeting on Friday at the CM House where the budget was approved.

    The CM has said that as part of the approval, 1,473 kilometers of roads that were destroyed by floods will be rebuilt throughout Sindh.

    The meeting was informed that Dadu and Jamshoro areas, where the damage was worst, would receive the lion’s share of the allocation for road restoration.

    Additionally, it was revealed that the project’s funding had been approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The provincial administration of Sindh was also informed that the documentation needed to obtain the grant from ADB was being prepared.

    There is no funding included in this project for the restoration and repair of the rain-damaged roads in Karachi division.

  • Arshad Sharif’s mother demands copy of journalist’s postmortem report

    Arshad Sharif’s mother demands copy of journalist’s postmortem report

    The mother of deceased senior journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif went to court on Friday and asked for a copy of the results of the postmortem that was performed in Islamabad.

    After Sharif’s body was brought back to Pakistan, an autopsy was performed on it before the body was sent to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for burial. Two people who were proposed by Sharif’s family were on the board.

    She added that the hospital administration informed them that the report was given to the police and that they did not maintain a copy of the postmortem report and asked the court to hear the case promptly today.

    She asked a copy of the postmortem report be given to her in the interest of openness and accused the PIMS administration of making fools of the family of murdered journalist Arshad Sharif.

  • ‘PM Shehbaz visiting Khan is under discussion’: Rana Sanaullah

    ‘PM Shehbaz visiting Khan is under discussion’: Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has once again strongly condemned the assassination attempt on former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan which took place on November 3 in Wazirabad during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.

    In a press conference, the minister called the incident an act of “religious extremism”. However, he was of the view that “PTI’s attitude towards the incident is also regrettable and condemnable.”

    He revealed that so far four deaths have been reported due to the unfortunate incident, adding that PM Shehbaz Sharif has announced compensation for the people who have lost their lives.

    He said that the federal government has asked the Punjab government to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

    He, further said that “we consider Khan a political opponent and not an enemy, but he [Khan] considers us his enemies.”

    About the accusations made by the PTI chief, implicating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah himself and Major General Faisal Naseer of plotting the assassination attempt, the Interior Minister said that it is “very saddening” that Khan has named people without any investigation or proof.

    Talking about the alleged confession video of the shooter, the minister said that the allegations levelled by him are extremely alarming.

    The minister also hinted at the possibility of PM Shehbaz visiting Imran Khan to inquire about his health.

    “If the environment gets better, PM Shehbaz might visit Khan but right now we have been blamed. So the discussion is under consideration, PM Shehbaz will decide this matter,” he stated.

  • Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves increases to $14.68 billion

    Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves increases to $14.68 billion

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) contributed to an increase of $1.517 billion in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves during the week ending October 28 to bring them to $14.679 billion, the central bank reported on Thursday.

    The State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange holdings increased by $1.473 billion to $8.912 billion.

    “This increase is attributed to the receipt of US$ 1,500 million from ADB,” the SBP said in a statement.

    The SBP has enough reserves to cover imports for 1.29 months. Additionally, commercial bank reserves increased by $44 million to $5.766 billion.

    When the government is dealing with a balance of payments issue, the increase in foreign reserves is encouraging for the nation’s finances. At least $30 billion has been lost as a result of the country’s devastating floods this summer.

    A $500 million deal between Pakistan and the World Bank has been signed. The $200 million investment will be used to support an agricultural transformation project in Punjab.

    According to The News, another project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for $300 million in climate change projects will be funded by the World Bank.

  • ‘Siyasat mein violence ki koyi jagah nahin,’ Condemnations pour in after assassination attempt on Imran Khan

    ‘Siyasat mein violence ki koyi jagah nahin,’ Condemnations pour in after assassination attempt on Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Thursday while leading his party’s long march in Wazirabad. The Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was shot in the leg and is currently receiving medical treatment at Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Lahore. According to media reports, one person was killed while seven people sustained injuries.

    Other than Khan, PTI leaders Faisal Javed and Ahmad Chattha were also injured. Following the tragic incident, leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the attack on Khan.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the firing incident and said that an immediate report of the incident has been sought from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

    In a tweet, he said, “I strongly condemn the firing at Imran Khan’s rally. An immediate report of the incident has been sought from the Interior Minister. We pray for the speedy recovery of Imran and other injured. The federal government will provide all possible support to the Punjab government in the security/investigation of the incident. Violence should have no place in country’s politics.”

    President Dr Arif Alvi took to Twitter to express his concern, saying that “This attack was sad, alarming, deceitful and cowardly”.

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said that the firing incident during PTI’s long march near Gujranwala is “highly condemnable”.

    “Sincere prayers for precious life lost and speedy recovery and well-being of Imran Khan and all those injured in this unfortunate incident,” the military’s media wing said.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif also condemned the attack and prayed for Khan’s and other party leaders’ recovery.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto said, “Strongly condemn the attack on Imran Khan. Praying for his swift recovery.”

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)’s Twitter account tweeted that Former President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the firing incident. He said, “I pray to God that Imran Khan recovers soon”.

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz also condemned the unfortunate incident.

    Sanaullah’s office’s official account said that on the instructions of PM Shehbaz, a report of the incident was sought from the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IG) Police Punjab.

    From PML-N leaders, Ahsan Iqbal also came forward to condemn the attack.

    He tweeted, “Thank God Imran Niazi is safe. There is no room for violence in politics. I strongly condemn the incident of firing on Imran Niazi’s container in Wazirabad. The Punjab government should review the security arrangements.”

    Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai wished the PTI chief a full recovery.

    “Attacks on leaders of any political belief or party are always wrong. And violence is never an acceptable protest”, she said in a tweet

  • Imran Khan par qatilana hamla: what we know so far about the assassination attempt on Khan

    Imran Khan par qatilana hamla: what we know so far about the assassination attempt on Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan survived an assassination attempt on Day seven of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ‘Haqeeqi Long March’ as his container moved through Punjab’s Wazirabad.

    Here is a timeline of what happened.

    4:21PM – Firing near Imran’s container during the long march
    An unidentified assailant opens fire on PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s container near the Allah Ho Chowk

    4:37PM – Reports of Khan shot at and injured
    PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry confirms that Khan was shot in the leg in a targeted attack during the long march in Wazirabad today. Footage of Imran, with a bandaged leg, being moved from the container to a vehicle with the help of his security team surface.

    4:43PM – Imran injured, waves at supporters after injury, moved to a car
    Khan is rushed to a safe place as per initial reports. He is shot in the leg but is stable while being taken to hospital. He waves at supporters too.

    5:25PM – Prime Minister Shehbaz seeks immediate report on issue
    Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of and “severely condemns” the firing incident at Imran Khan’s long march.

    He instructs Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to seek an immediate report on the incident from the IGP and chief secretary Punjab.

    6:00PM – Shooter confesses to crime
    The suspect/shooter, caught by police on the scene, says that he wants to kill PTI Chairman Imran Khan because “Khan was misleading the public.”

    “He (Imran) was misleading the people and I could not bear watching it so I killed him… attempted to kill him,” the shooter says in a video statement.

    “I tried my best to kill him. I wanted to kill just Imran Khan and no one else.”

    6:20PM – Reports of Khan being treated at Shaukat Khanum Hospital surface
    Khan is taken to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in Lahore for immediate treatment.

    6:50PM – Punjab IG wants report on attack
    According to Dawn News, Inspector-General of Punjab Police, Faisal Shahkar, took notice of the attack on PTI chairman Imran Khan and summons a report from Gujrat regional police officers.

    Meanwhile, the deputy police officer of Gujrat is instructed to reach the attack site.

    According to a statement from a police spokesperson, the attack will be investigated from all angles and the perpetrators will be arrested immediately.

    7:00PM – Khan out of danger, being treated at Hospital
    Dr Faisal Sultan, while talking to the media, says that Khan is out of danger and is being treated at the hospital.

    8:15PM – Khan names three suspects behind today’s attack: Asad Umar

    PTI leader Asad Umar, in a video message today, reveals Khan named three suspects who could be behind today’s attack.

    “Shortly before this video, Imran Khan called us and told us to convey this message to the nation on his behalf. He said that he had received some information earlier as well.”

    “He said that he believes three people were involved in the attack […] and those three people are Shehbaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah and Major General Faisal,” Umar said.

    He also said that the PTI chief has demanded that Shehbaz, Sanaullah and General Faisal be immediately removed from their posts. “Otherwise, a protest will be held across the country.”

    8:53PM – Punjab CM orders constitution of JIT to probe attack

    Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi instructs the police to form a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the attack on PTI’s convoy in Wazirabad today.

    Elahi says that the counter-terrorism department will be placed on the team to investigate the motives of the incident.

    “We want to know who is behind the incident, who trained the accused, how much money was he given and where did he get it from,” the chief minister said.

    9:10PM – Federal govt to ask Punjab govt to form JIT to probe attack on Imran

    The federal government decides to ask Punjab government to form a joint investigation team comprising senior officers to investigate the attack on Imran Khan, according to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

    Sanaullah, in a press conference alongside Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb in Islamabad, said the entire government condemned the firing incident.

    He said the federal government has assured the Punjab government of “assistance of any kind” during the investigation.

  • Sialkot college made it compulsory for students to attend IK’s speech

    Sialkot college made it compulsory for students to attend IK’s speech

    Administration of a government college in Sialkot made it compulsory for students to attend a speech by former prime minister Imran Khan, the college’s principal has confirmed to Geo Fact Check.

    The notification being shared is dated October 25. It reads: “Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will deliver a speech at the ground of Government Murray College Sialkot tomorrow on Wednesday (26-10-2022) at 11:30am. Staff participation along with students is mandatory.”
    The principal of the Government Jinnah Islamia College, Professor Mujahid Hussain Bukhari, while talking to Geo Fact Check said that he had sent out a notification requiring students to attend Khan’s speech.

    Dr Ashiq Hussain, the director Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) Punjab , has denied that any such notification has been issued. It’s been alleged that Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) Punjab had ordered the Government Jinnah Islamia Graduate College, Sialkot, to ensure that students hear Khan speak.

    “There is no such order,” he told Geo Fact Check, “The students participated out of their own will.”

    https://twitter.com/RabNBaloch/status/1585241132333600768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1585241132333600768%7Ctwgr%5E7ef45d6bcff871eddaaf183706875ab43f4e5c75%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F450178-fact-check-yes-a-college-in-sialkot-made-it-mandatory-for-students-to-attend-imran-khans-speech
  • Yumna Zaidi takes us through her experience on ‘Bakhtawar’, opens up on risky career choices

    Yumna Zaidi takes us through her experience on ‘Bakhtawar’, opens up on risky career choices

    Yumna Zaidi is amongst the most talented actresses in Pakistan. The Pyar Ke Sadqay star recently engaged in a chat with a digital portal and discussed about her career choices.

    Her choice in selecting roles has always stemmed away from the traditional stories in mainstream dramas.

    HUM TV’s special Bakhtawar is a similar tale that touches upon the struggles of women in a male dominant world: a narrative that is quite controversial for the masses to digest. Yumna stars as the leading character, an independent young woman who is compelled to find work and build herself a better life. The highlight of this show is how the girl named Bakhtawar transforms herself into a man to achieve this goal.

    In an interview conducted by Maliha Rehman, the ‘Sinf-e-Aahan’ heroine talked about the struggles of taking up this demanding role, barefaced and in the costume of a man. Taking the mike, Yumna said, “It was a challenge to prepare for my role. Without makeup and baggy clothes, and having that tiny wig to look boyish, a girl like me or any actress in Pakistan would feel the same.”

    She further emphasized the process of becoming a man in the series, “My body was packed with different layers to hide my body, hair packed to look more like a man.”

    Yumna lamented about not being able to look pretty in this role but also spoke about the physical transformation the actor was required to complete for the two contrasting characters. She said, “It was a physical challenge, but it also required more. I had to learn to change my voice, as there was less time between the shoots to change my character from Bakhtawar to Bakhtu.”

    She also talked about her selection of scripts, as she’s known to choose narratives that are deviant from the norm. On being asked about her decisions, she answered, “When I got the script, I was super excited, so I picked it as a challenge.”

    Yumna then reflected on Bahktawar and why it turned out to be such a vital role. “In this world, regardless of its advances, women are still facing such injustice. No matter how powerful she is, or the time, women continue to face incidents that make you see the grim reality,” she added.

    She concluded her statement by praising her choice. “I have taken a story of a woman and her stand and struggle in life, which is something I am proud of and satisfied with.”

    She further added: “I walked on the roads and felt the difference”

    In the interview, Yumna recalled the biggest learning curve of her life while filming for the drama. During her shoots, the starlet was required to walk on roads freely with a hidden camera to capture her surroundings, giving it a more realistic picture.

    Yumna explained, “We had to shoot raw in markets with a hidden camera, so I had to walk on the roads and I felt the difference. I had a team, with bouncers and still felt uncomfortable. In the same market, when I was in a male’s get-up, I walked so comfortably, and I kept thinking about the women who walk on these roads. It was just a shoot, and I was fully protected, but not these women who go here every day.”

    She expressed that this realization of “privilege” and having “slightly more protected lives” has changed her whole outlook on life, making her more grateful for everything she has been blessed with, including security. Dressing up from Bakhtawar to Bakhtu was not only a physical journey for the actor but also a mental one that has taught the actor numerous life-long lessons.

    In another interview Yumna mentioned that her role in Ishq Zahe Naseeb starring Zahid Ahmed and Sami Khan was initially offered to Ayeza Khan and Neelam Muneer who turned down the role as its screen time was less than the other female part played by Sonya Hussyn.

    The actress is currently impressing critics and audiences alike with her phenomenal performance in Dil Na Umeed To Nahi.