Category: Uncategorized

  • Sadaf Kanwal-Shehroz Sabzwari blessed with a baby girl, pictures from hospital revealed

    Sadaf Kanwal-Shehroz Sabzwari blessed with a baby girl, pictures from hospital revealed

    Celebrity couple of Sadaf Kanwal and Shehroz Sabzwari have welcomed their first child in Karachi.

    On Tuesday, model Mehreen Syed took to Instagram to announce the news. “Mashallah, Allah’s mercy. Congratulations,” she wrote. Judging by her caption, the couple has been blessed with a baby girl.

    Later Shahroz also shared the adorable interaction between his eldest daughter Nooreh with her half-sibling Zahra.

    Their appearance on Fahad Mustafa’s Jeeto Pakistan fueled the pregnancy speculation further as the Nand star was seen telling her to be careful at many junctions.

    Sadaf Kanwal, Shahroze Sabzwari and Ushna Shah Clicks from Jeeto Pakistan -

    Fellow models Abeer Iftikhar and Huma Khan and makeup artist Sara Ali dropped down in the comment section and sent their love to the couple.

    The duo tied the knot in May 2020 and their union attracted a lot of buzz as the timing overlapped with Shahroz’s divorce from his ex-wife Syra Yousuf. The announcement of his marriage with Kanwal came with several video statements clarifying infidelity was not the reason that led to the dissolution of his marriage with his former wife.

    In The Couple Show hosted by Hina Altaf and Agha Ali, the Alif star said that she always knew when she met Sabzwari that he will be the father of her children.

    In April, Behroze Sabzwari announced that he has become a grandfather for the second time during an appearance on Rabia Anum Obaid’s Ramazan show Piyara Ramazan.

    This is Kanwal’s first child and Shahroz’s second as he shares a daughter named Nooreh with actress Syra Yousuf.

  • Pakistan see a slight increase in Covid-19 cases

    Pakistan see a slight increase in Covid-19 cases

    According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Covid-19 positivity rate in Pakistan has reached 2.64 per cent.

    In addition, 352 cases of Covid-19 were reported in Pakistan on August 10. However, no deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. A total of 13,325 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours.

    According to the NIH data, 153 Covid-19 patients are in critical care.

    In March this year, the government announced the closure of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). The body was set up in March 2020 to deal with Covid-19.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif in June urged Pakistanis to follow Covid-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

  • PTI moves August 13 rally to Lahore from Islamabad

    PTI moves August 13 rally to Lahore from Islamabad

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to move the venue of its August 13 public rally to Lahore from Islamabad.

    The rally will be held at Lahore Hockey Ground on the night of August 13. PTI’s focal person Azhar Mashwani said, “PTI and the proud Pakistanis of Lahore will celebrate the 75th Independence Day in a grand manner at Hockey Stadium Lahore,” adding that Imran Khan will specially attend and address the occasion.

    PTI leader Omar Ayub stated the PTI had been given permission for the rally at Islamabad’s Parade Ground. “But at the last moment, we found out that the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) wanted to hold a protest there and it could have created problems.”

    “Hence, we came to the conclusion that Lahore is the best location for the rally,” he added.

    The development came after Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah warned the PTI leadership that they will not be allowed to create chaos and that only a peaceful rally in Islamabad will be allowed.

    He said that PTI will be allowed to stage a peaceful rally, otherwise it will face treatment far worse than May 25.

    On Monday, it was reported that TLP is set to gather at Faizabad on August 13 the same day as PTI was holding its public rally.

    PTI plans to stay overnight at Parade Ground on Independence Day

    Earlier, PTI said that the party would stay overnight at Islamabad’s Parade Ground between August 13 and 14.

    The decision was made by PTI political committee that the public gathering will be held at Parade Ground on August 13.

    Former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that the PTI workers would gather at the Parade Ground in the evening on Saturday (August 13) for the rally and will stay there until August 14 to commemorate Independence Day.

    Taking to his Twitter handle, Chaudhry said that the “imported government” is running away from elections but the people will not let them run away.
    

    “On August 13, the entire nation will gather at Parade Ground in support of Imran Khan to hear the future roadmap,” he wrote, urging the party supporters to gear up for the final level. “It is either election or revolution.”

    The public gathering was reportedly being held to pressurise the government into announcing fresh elections in the country.

    Last week, PTI staged a protest at Islamabad’s F9 Park against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja.

  • Assistant commissioner robbed at gunpoint in Karachi

    Assistant commissioner robbed at gunpoint in Karachi

    Assistant Commissioner Ferozabad Asma Batool was robbed at gunpoint in Karachi.

    The incident took place near Chaar Minar Chowrangi, Bahadurabad, on Monday morning.

    The police said Asma Batool had come along with her family for breakfast and she was robbed while going back.

    According to the police, the suspects looted the assistant commissioner at gunpoint. There were no security guards accompanying Batool at the time of the robbery.

    A case has been registered and an investigation started.
    As per a report published by Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), almost 235 incidents of street crimes are reported in the city on daily basis.

  • Four Nohay that will help you understand Karbala’s history

    Four Nohay that will help you understand Karbala’s history

    The month of Muharram is here and you will often listen to nohay being played on the radio, in homes, Imam Bargahs, Majlis’ etc. In case you didn’t know, a noha, when interpreted in light of Shia views, is a lament about the tragedy of Husayn ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala.

    In light of this, The Current has listed four Nohay that will help you understand the history of Karbala.

    Mujhay Abbas Kahtay Hain

    This noha is about Hazrat Abbas (A.S) also known as Qamar Banī Hāshim (the moon of Banu Hashim). Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was Imam Hussain’s (A.S) younger brother who is highly revered by Muslims for his loyalty to Imam Hussain(A.S). He was also well known in the Arab community for his bravery, strength and ferocity as a warrior. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was martyred during the battle of Karbala when he went to bring water for the children from Nehar e Furat.

    Meri Jaan Akbar

    Ali Akbar was the son of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (A.S) son. He was martyred at the age of 18 on the day of Ashura. Enemies attacked Ali Akbar and threw a spear (sinah) at Ali Akbar which went right through his chest. The enemy then broke the wooden part of the spear and left the blade inside Ali Akbar’s chest, to cause him more pain. As Ali Akbar fell from his horse, he called his father Imam Hussain (A.S) who tried to remove the spear from his chest but was unable to save him.

    Zuljanah Hain Kahan Baba Jaan

    Zuljanah was the horse of Imam Hussain (A.S), gifted to him by Hazrat Muhammad (S). When Imam Hussain (a.s) was martyred in Karbala, Zuljanah came back to the tents with the spots of blood on its body to inform his martyrdom.

    Kiya Muhammad Ka Pyara Nahi Hoon

    This noha by two youngsters is about Imam Hussain (A.S) telling people that he is the grandson of Hazrat Muhammad (P.BU.H) and why the Yazeedi Fauj denied water to him.

  • How do Shias spend 9th,10th Muharram?

    How do Shias spend 9th,10th Muharram?

    While everyone knows the reason behind why we observe Ashura, there are several misconceptions about what exactly Shias do on these two days.

    To gain some better insight, The Current spoke to several Shias about how they spend the important days of 9th and 10th Muharram and here is a short summary of what they told us.

    9th Muharram

    On 9th Muharram, all Shia Muslims attend the majlis and juloos, where they listen to the historical background of the tragic incident of Karbala. In these gatherings, the religious scholars highlight the importance of the Family of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in Islam and the hardships they faced during the incident.

    During zuhr, all men and women are segregated to offer prayer(namaz) during the juloos. After offering prayers everyone performs Ziyarat of Shabeeh e Zuljanah (Imam Hussain’s ride) after which they pray to Allah and recall the hardships of the family of Imam Hussain(A.S).

    Many Shia families arrange drinks and food, also known as Niyaz, for people attending the juloos.

    Then they pray Maghrib and Isha and do Ammaal, Nawafil that are specified for that night (Shab e Ashoor). They also recite Surah e Ikhlas because according to their Imam the surah is one of Allah’s favourite. They also eat something before Fajar for faqah which means they do not eat anything from Fajr to Zuhr.

    After this, everyone gathers to listen to the Azaan e Ali Akbar (the son of Imam was the moazzan at that time and it was his last Azaan before his Shahadat).

    10th Muharram

    Ziarat e Ashoorah (Salam to Imam Hussain and his companions) is recited at zuhr following which everyone gathers to eat Niyaz because the faqah timings end then.

    The night of 10th is called Sham e Ghareeban during which everyone listens to the hardships of the Imam’s family left after the shahadat of the male members. According to tradition, when camps were burnt down, the women and children were forced to evacuate and were made captives.

  • ‘Nation is proud of you’: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi and others congratulate Arshad Nadeem

    ‘Nation is proud of you’: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi and others congratulate Arshad Nadeem

    Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in the javelin throw competition at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham on Sunday (August 7).

    The 25-year-old won with a massive throw of 90.18m to beat defending world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, who took Silver with 88.64m throw.

    The Pakistani athlete hailing from Mian Channu participated in the event despite elbow and knee injuries.

    “My preparation is really good despite elbow and knee injury, for which treatment is ongoing,” said Arshad Nadeem while talking to Samaa News before the final.

    Arshad Nadeem earned Pakistan its first track and field gold medal after 60 years.

    It was Pakistan’s second gold in the ongoing Commonwealth Games. Pakistani weightlifter Nooh Dastagir Butt bagged the first gold for Pakistan.

    Prominent personalities, including President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, congratulated Arshad Nadeem for bringing a gold medal home.

    Read more – Hey Pak govt, aren’t we sporty enough for you?

    “What amazing news to wake up to early this morning! Arshad Nadeem has done Pakistan proud by winning the first gold medal in Commonwealth Games,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a tweet.

    President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi also congratulated Arshad Nadeem for “making history”.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa also congratulated Nadeem.

    Have a look at other congratulatory messages:

  • Pakistan to overcome $4 billion external financing gap soon: SBP

    Pakistan to overcome $4 billion external financing gap soon: SBP

    In the midst of intense pressure on foreign currency reserves, Pakistan will soon close its $4 billion shortfall in external finance with the assistance of friendly nations under IMF conditions, according to Acting Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Dr Murtaza Syed.

    He also acknowledged that inflation will continue to be higher for the ensuing 11 to 12 months, which is why the central bank was aiming for an average inflation target of 18 to 20 per cent for the current fiscal year 2022–2023

    According to The News, acting SBP Governor Dr. Murtaza Syed stated that Pakistan has already met its gross external financing requirements of $34 to $35 billion.

    However, Islamabad is also attempting to secure confirmation of $4 billion in inflows from friendly nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. According to him, these extra dollar inflows will be used to boost foreign currency reserves and build a safety net in case of a crisis-like circumstance.

    He resisted providing a specific timeline but assured that the $4 billion finance deficit will be closed quickly. He argued that urgent attempts were being made by the government and IMF high-ups to secure confirmation from their respective nations.

    Denying that the scenario was similar to Sri Lanka, he praised Bangladesh and claimed that nation performed properly, chose to return to the IMF, and also increased utility costs while maintaining enough levels of foreign exchange reserves.

    Speaking of increasing inflation, he believed that supply interruptions abroad had set the way for a global super cycle of commodities, leaving Pakistan with no choice but to concentrate on agriculture productivity in order to secure food security.

    According to Murtaza Syed, people would have to deal with this challenging moment because there is no immediate magic wand to manage increased inflation. He said that while it is a challenging time, there is no alternative way to prevent the country from entering a more challenging situation if nothing was done.

    According to the official, the SBP has loosened the cash margin requirements for opening L/Cs for imports and offers incentives to individuals who do so. According to him, the IMF opposed trade restrictions and took action to prevent the depletion of foreign exchange reserves.

    The current pressure on foreign reserves is now anticipated to end within the next two months. He also promoted energy saving as a way to ease the burden of high import costs.

    The senior official believed that as long as the economy’s structural issues persisted, Pakistan will continue to see boom and bust cycles. He gave a recent example in which the nation’s GDP increased by 6 per cent, indicating that the overheating of the economy led to imbalances known as the budget deficit and current account deficit. Although a recession is not imminent, he continued, the economy must be managed carefully.

  • Want to get rich? Make rich friends: Study

    Want to get rich? Make rich friends: Study

    Friendships that cut across class lines are a key indicator of economic mobility and can help alleviate inequality, according to a new research in the United States.

    The study analysed Facebook friendships of 72 million people.

    The study found that poor children who grew up with wealthy friends had, on average, 20 per cent higher incomes later in life than other poor kids. In fact, researchers discovered that other forms of social capital, such as having affluent parents or attending top-notch schools, are less significant indicators of upward economic mobility than friendships between rich and poor individuals.

    A project led by researchers and collaborators at the Harvard University-based nonprofit Opportunity Insights, which studies barriers to economic opportunities conducted the study, which was published in a journal named Nature. The research was led by Harvard economist Raj Chetty.

    “Growing up in a community connected across class lines improves kids’ outcomes and gives them a better shot at rising out of poverty,” said Raj Chetty while talking to The New York Times.

  • Karachi among South Asia’s top 10 start-up-friendly cities: Report

    Karachi among South Asia’s top 10 start-up-friendly cities: Report

    Karachi has been ranked in the top 10 start-up-friendly South Asian cities in Blink’s Startup Ecosystem Report 2022. Karachi has emerged as the highest-ranked city in Pakistan, taking the position away from Lahore.

    Karachi’s position has moved up in South Asia but globally it lost five spots to rank 291st. Lahore dropped a heartbreaking 48 positions to rank 305th whereas Islamabad dropped one position to 438th. This year has not been good for city rankings of smaller Pakistani cities – Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Jhelum are out of the global top 1,000, leaving Pakistan with only three ranked cities, versus seven in 2021.

    Pakistan has dropped one spot in 2022 to rank 76th globally and maintains its second rank in South Asia. Pakistan is ranked fourth in the CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program) business region.

    Pakistan’s overview:

    “With a population of over 220 million, Pakistan’s economy has massive potential to grow. For this to happen, digitalisation and successful startups will be a critical element. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, digital entrepreneurship increased side by side with investment in local startups,” says the report.

    The report further states that digital infrastructure in Pakistan has seen improvement with the introduction of broadband internet coverage, including 4G. All this came together with new legal frameworks that regulate and promote digital payments, investment, and credit under the State Bank of Pakistan’s Digital Banking Policy.

    “In addition, the government set up Special Technology zones offering several tax exemptions and incentives. Pakistan has come a long way with its legal framework, but there are still some areas that require more clarity when it comes to taxation or incentives for domestic investments. The country’s turbulent political climate is not helping to create certainty and stable policies to boost the local startup ecosystem.”
    As per the report, “The spike in funding and startups needs to be fuelled by talent with experience in scaling startups. To sustain this need, the country needs to come up with ways of providing its startup ecosystems with qualified and trained personnel.”

    The global rating evaluates the state of the startup economy and describes the dynamics of their growth and the main trends. This year’s report evaluated startup ecosystems in 1,000 cities and 100 countries.