A cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif approved the formation of a committee headed by the Law Minister to amend the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law.
During the meeting, it was pointed out that “NAB’s black law” was used only for political revenge, harassment of government officials and the business community.
The committee will also include personalities from the legal fraternity, banking sector, bureaucracy and other fields.
Other than this, PM informed the cabinet that the country is facing a severe heatwave for which a special task force has been formed under the Ministry of Climate Change.
This task force will also take steps to address climate change so that the threats to Pakistan can be addressed in a timely manner.
Moreover, Rs 52 billion has been reserved for the Petroleum Division.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former Prime Minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that dissolving assemblies is not the solution to the current economic crisis in the country.
Speaking outside the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) office in Islamabad, he said, “The government is working hard to get the situation under control” and urged that political parties should sit together to derive a solution.
Khaqan said that the decisions need the support of institutions and the people because Pakistan is everyone’s responsibility.
“Our country has always had unconstitutional intervention in politics. That intervention also plays a role in getting us where we are today,” he added.
“This destruction started four years ago when the PTI government came to power,” he claimed. “Today, Imran Khan is the sole person responsible for the economic turmoil in Pakistan. You cannot expect a government to immediately fix things that he spoiled.”
The PML-N leader’s statement has come when the dollar rate is at its peak. This spell of the dollar’s persistent rise against the rupee began last week.
Earlier, it was reported that government would either dissolve the assemblies or increase the petrol prices in the upcoming days.
It was said that if the government does not increase the fuel prices Pakistan may face a much worse situation than what is happening in Sri Lanka.
In today’s interbank market, the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) plummeted to another historical low versus the US Dollar (USD). It fell 0.80 per cent against the US dollar, closing at Rs195.74 after losing Rs1.56 in the interbank market.
During today’s open market session, the local currency fell to an intraday low of Rs197 versus the US dollar. Since last week, the dollar has gained Rs9.06 against the PKR, and Rs12.81 since the new government took office on April 11, 2022.
The local currency hit a new all-time low against the dollar on May 17, ahead of Pakistan’s preliminary consultations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Doha on Wednesday (tomorrow) to revive the country’s stalled multibillion-dollar bailout package.
On Tuesday, oil prices rose to their highest level in seven weeks, spurred by the European Union’s continued push for a ban on Russian oil imports, which may dangerously constrain supplies. Brent crude hit a high of $115, its best since March 28, while WTI crude in the United States rose 78 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $114.98.
Two Pakistani female artists have been shortlisted for The 2022 Sovereign Asian Art Prize. From over 400 entries, Ayessha Quraishi and Marium Agha were chosen. The finalists represent 16 Asia-Pacific countries and regions.
Marium Agha:
Marium Agha (b. 1982, Pakistan) holds a BFA from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Pakistan (2006), an MFA from University of The Arts London, Central Saint Martins, London (2009), and completed a course in Curating Contemporary Art from Chelsea School of Art And Design, London (2009). By surveying the relentless nature of love for over a decade through images, theory, and the self, the artist finds a safe process in deconstructing elements of popular culture which no longer validate contemporary sensibilities. Agha’s deconstructed tapestries, drawings, and text serve to create newer, relevant narratives of the ‘given real’, that is, love, and the supposed representational: the concupiscence of the flesh.
Ayessha Quraishi (b. 1970, Pakistan) works in a way natural to her since childhood, her process appearing like braille. Physically, she maintains constant contact with two materials: the surface and the paint
The Sovereign Asian Art Prize was launched in 2003 to increase the international exposure of artists in the region, whilst raising funds for programmes that support disadvantaged children using expressive arts. Held annually, The Prize is now recognised as the most established and prestigious annual art award in Asia-Pacific.
Actor Mohsin Abbas Haider recently shared the first look of his forthcoming short film, Main Shah Rukh Khan Hoon directed by Badar Mehmood.
Ever since the poster has been released, it was speculated that maybe this is Khan’s Pakistani biopic.
However Mohsin exclusively revealed to The Current that, “This is not SRK’s biopic, this is the story of an aspiring actor who wants to make it big and has grand ambitions. The boy is very impressed by Shah Rukh and is his fan, the story revolves around how SRK impacts his acting career.”
The Na Maloom Afraad star added further that he is playing five characters in the film and he is very excited about the same.”
Earlier the talented actor-host shared his fan moment after he received an autograph from one of the superstars from Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan.
In an Instagram post, Mohsin shared his excitement about receiving SRK’s hand written autograph. “Fan Moment, Finally Received The Autograph Of A Man Whose Story/Struggle Inspired Me In My Struggling Days. Who Motivates Me. A Self Made Superstar, My Mentor, The King, The Legendary Sir,” he wrote.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said the government is ready to form a judicial commission to inquire about life threats received by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’, Rana Sanaullah said that the government had provided Khan ‘prime minister-level’ security and around 150-200 security personnel had been deployed for his safety. He said that security stays with Khan all the time and they move him from Bani Gala to wherever he goes.
“However, if Imran Khan needs more security, then he should tell us. We will provide it too,” he added.
جان کو خطرے کی ویڈیو ریکارڈ کراکے چھپائی کیوں ہے اسے شیئر کرو،جوڈیشل کمیشن بنانے کو تیار ہیں۔عمران خان کےساتھ جس قسم کےلوگ ہیں انہی میں سےکسی نے موبائل فون نکالے ہونگے۔ عمران خان کو وہی سیکیورٹی ملی ہوئی ہے جو انہیں بطور وزیر اعظم ملی ہوئی تھی۔وزیر داخلہ
— Shahzeb Khanzada (@shazbkhanzdaGEO) May 16, 2022
“If you have recorded that video, then share it with the people. You say you will bring everything in front of the people of Pakistan, then you must share the video. They say one thing one day, and another the next day. Every few days, they bring a new fraud and lie. This man [Imran Khan] wants to divide the country and misguide the youth.”
Talking about PTI leader Dr Shahbaz Gill’s claim that two of Imran Khan’s mobile phones were stolen in the Sialkot jalsa, Rana Sanaullah said that Imran Khan’s mobile phones must have been stolen by his companions because Imran Khan is “surrounded by such people who can do it”.
On a question asked about the comments Khan made in relevance to Dr Rizwan’s death caused by a heart attack and poison that can be mixed in food, Sanaullah said, “What should I say to this horrendous man? He was the prime minister of this country and unfortunately is again the candidate for the position of prime minister. If something like this was even suspected, the family would have had his post-mortem done.”
“They bring such lies and fraud to their fan crowd and they believe whatever he [Khan] says. Anyone with wisdom knows about the lies told by Khan,” said Sanaullah.
جو شخص ملک کا وزیر اعظم رہا ہے اور دوبارہ وزیر اعظم بننے کا اُمیدوار ہے،کیا اُسے نہیں پتہ کہ ڈاکٹر رضوان کی موت اگر زہر سے واقعہ ہوتی تو انکے اہل خانہ ضرور پوسٹ مارٹم کراتے۔ ہرذی شعور آدمی کو انکے جھوٹوں کا پتہ ہے۔ وزیر داخلہ رانا ثناء۔
The 10-day week for Eid films, namely Ghabrana Nahi Hai, Dum Mastam, Parde Mein Rehne Do, Chakkar, and Tere Bajre Di Rakhi, has concluded recently.
Although most of theses films have under performed at the ticket counters, yet they have brought some footfalls to local screens.
Ghabrana Nahi Hai (Semi Hit)
Ghabrana Nahi Hai starring Saba Qamar, Zahid Ahmed, and Syed Jibran has performed the best out of all the Eid releases. Saba’s star-power has definitely contributed to the film’s collection toppled with the engaging screenplay and crisp writing.
Here’s a day-wise breakdown:
Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 68 lacs
Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 1.15 crore
Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 1.17 crore
Friday to Sunday: 1.7 crore
Weekdays: 1.3 crore
Total collection: 6 crore
Dum Mastam (Average)
Imran Ashraf and Amar Khan starrer commercial potboiler Dum Mastam is also performing better than the other releases, thanks to Imran’s performance and successful music album.
Here’s a day-wise breakdown:
Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 65 lacs
Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 1.11 crore
Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 1.08 crore
Friday to Sunday: 1.20 crore
Weekdays: 96 lacs
Total collection over 10 days: 5 crore
Parde Mein Rehne Do (Below Average)
The Ali Rehman and Hania Aamir starrer is at the third spot. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:
Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 44 lacs
Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 76 lacs
Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 75 lacs
Friday to Sunday: 60 lacs
Weekdays: 45 lacs
Total collection over 10 days: 2.95 crore
Chakkar (Below Average)
The Ahsan Khan, Neelam Muneer, and Yasir Nawaz starrer, with far lesser show slots, is at the last spot. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:
Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 28 lacs
Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 54 lacs
Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 50 lacs
Friday to Sunday: 40 lacs
Weekdays: 38 lacs
Total collection over 10 days: 2.1 crores
Tere Bajre Di Rakhi (Flop)
This Syed Noor directorial which also marked the acting debut of TikToker Jannat Mirza has amassed a combined sum of 80 lacs over the past 10 days.
A Lahore resident, Maryam Khan, shared pictures on her Twitter account in which a Lahore traffic police officer on a motorbike can be seen harassing her in broad daylight on Mall Road, one of the busiest roads in Lahore. He parked his bike next to her car at a signal and made ‘kissing’ gestures at her and her daughter.
“Here are photos of a traffic police officer named Sami Ullah on Mall Road, Lahore at 12.30 pm today, harassing me and my daughter while we were at a traffic light stop before G.O.R 1,” tweeted Maryam Khan.
She tagged City Traffic Police (CTP) Lahore to take action against the harasser.
Here are photos of a traffic police officer named SAMI ULLAH on Mall Road, Lahore at 12.30 pm today, harassing me and my daughter while we were at a traffic light stop before G.O.R. 1. Are you ready to clean up this filth from your ranks @ctplahore or is this not your priority? pic.twitter.com/TDVF7bvNUK
While talking to The Current, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rana Arif said that the police officer, Sami Ullah, has been suspended and an inquiry is underway. He added that the next action will be taken as per the inquiry report. He said that CCTV cameras are placed all over Mall Road and it will be very easy to find out what actually happened.
Earlier, responding to Khan’s tweet, CTP Lahore said, “Ma’am, if you have any complaints regarding any traffic police official. You can register the complaint on Rasta app which is the right forum.”
Mam if you have any complain regarding any traffic police official .you can register complain on Rasta app which is the right forum please.
Following the incident, Twitterati expressed their disappointment and anger over it.
⚠️ Trigger Warning It’s disturbing how so many are gaslighting the lady on some assumptions that the person in pic might not harassing her & he might be entertaining the kid…Blah blah
Check the pic dude, Why he approached the car and tried to be so frank as if he knows her? https://t.co/YxllxJldtL
Director and actor Yasir Nawaz is currently riding high on the success of his Eid release, Chakkar. The veteran filmmaker indulged in an exclusive conversation with The Current.
On being asked the first thing that comes to his mind when he hears Maryam Nawaz’s name, the Nadaaniyaan star mentioned that “Maryam looks very young, MashaAllah, she is a very intelligent politician.”
Yasir also added that he finds her to be extremely graceful.
Yasir recently addressed the Prime Minister and urged him to look into the matter of their distress. “I’ve a small request for the prime minister to help save the Pakistani film industry from drowning. Our content is very strong and the revenue will come in Pakistan only.”
The Minor, an alleged 14-year-old girl, who claims she is 18-years-old, went missing in Karachi in April. She later revealed that she ran away from home to marry Zaheer Ahmed, 21. She has now stated that the couple’s lives are in danger.
The Minor revealed in a video message that she had eloped with her husband and travelled to Lahore to marry him. “While the Constitution and the law of this country allow me to marry whomever I want and I can live wherever I want under the law, my life is in danger,” she said.
The Minor went on to say that she is “happy married and lives a quiet life in Lahore,” and that her in-laws treat her well. “People on social media are calling my in-laws part of some gang, but that is a baseless allegation. They are respectable people and are even better than my parents,” she added.
The Minor also revealed that before eloping, she wrote her parents a letter in which she “clearly stated the reasons for leaving her home.”
The Minor, who went missing last month was found by the police. Her parents claim that their daughter has been forced into this marriage.
