Category: Uncategorized

  • PDM: Done and dusted?

    PDM: Done and dusted?

    PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday announced that the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) has called upon its members to resign from all positions of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). 

    Flanked by party leaders, Bilawal held a news conference to speak about the matters that came under discussion during the recently-held Central Executive Committee meeting of the party. 

    He said the CEC had come to the conclusion that resignations from the national and provincial assemblies should be “like an atom bomb”.

    Bilawal said the PPP’s stance that the Opposition should not “abandon the Parliament and the Senate battleground” had been vindicated.

    He said if the PPP had listened to other political parties in the Opposition and boycotted the Senate elections and by-elections, then it would have harmed democracy.

    “We did not give the PTI government an open field to form a two-thirds majority in the Senate,” he said, adding that the government lost on its “own pitch” when the PDM candidate won from the Nowshera by-election.

    “We will not undermine these gains that the PPP has achieved after giving many sacrifices,” he said. “When the PML-N was in power, we protected the Parliament then and we will protect the Parliament today.”

    He said those who wanted to resign from the Parliament, should do so.

    “But, no one should try to impose their will or their dictation on any other political party,” he said. “And the Pakistan Peoples Party will continue in its firm, consistent Opposition to the selected government that has been ongoing since day one and has not broken for a single day,” stressed the PPP chairperson.

    “The Pakistan Peoples Party rejects the so-called show-cause notice,” he said. “Politics is done with equality and respect,” he added.

    “The PPP demands an unconditional apology to the ANP and to the PPP for this obnoxious attitude,” he said.

    Bilawal said the PPP stands by the ANP and would not abandon them under any circumstances. “There is no concept of show-cause notices in democratic alliances,” he said.

    He recounted the PPP’s participation in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy and the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy.

    “We condemn the politics of Opposition against members of the Opposition,” he said.

    The PPP chairperson said his party’s doors were open for all other parties, adding that there should be a “working relationship” among them.

  • Rights champion IA Rehman passes away at 90

    Rights champion IA Rehman passes away at 90

     Journalist and veteran human rights activist Ibn Abdur Rehman aka I A Rehman passed away in Lahore at the age of 90 on Monday.

    He died of old age and high sugar and blood pressure levels, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Secretary General Harris Khalique said.

    The deceased left behind three sons and two daughters. His wife, Tauseef I A Rehman, had died in 2015.

    A protégé of Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Abdur Rehman became chief editor of the now-defunct Pakistan Times in 1989. He wrote a regular column for Dawn until a few days before his death.

    He was the founding chair of the Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) and a director of the HRCP since 1990.

    Between 1978 and 1988, he remained executive editor of weekly Viewpoint.

    Tributes poured in from all quarters as word of Abdur Rehman’s passing spread.

    “A titan of human rights, Mr Rehman’s integrity, conscience and compassion were unparalleled,” HRCP said.

    Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the country had lost a “true icon”.

    Political leaders from both the government and opposition, media persons and rights activists are among those expressing grief and sorrow over Rehman’s death on Twitter.

  • Two-week complete lockdown in worst-hit Lahore from today?

    Punjab health authorities and local administration have proposed a complete lockdown in the provincial capital as the COVID-19 positivity ratio stands at around 19% for the third consecutive week.

    The final decision, in this regard, will be taken by the Asad Umar-led National Command Operation Centre (NCOC).

    Lahore is the worst-hit during the third wave of the pandemic owing to the recklessness of the masses and disinterest of the government. Both had turned a blind eye towards the virus situation until the positivity ratio climbed to a whopping 23% last week.

    The situation in other parts of Punjab is not much better either.

    Punjab Health Minister Prof Dr Yasmin Rashid has said that if precautionary measures are not taken, the situation in Lahore and other cities would worsen.

    Explaining the alarming situation in the Punjab capital, she said there were no vacant ventilators at any of the city’s major hospitals, including Jinnah Hospital, Services Hospital and Gangaram Hospital.

    Besides the shortage of ventilators, oxygen beds at hospitals across Lahore have also reached their 70% capacity.

    “We don’t have any other option rather than the complete lockdown in Lahore however the final decision will be taken by the Punjab government,” the provincial health minister added.

    Meanwhile, 58 people lost their lives due to coronavirus with 4,584 new cases over the past 24 hours. The death toll has surged to 15,501 while the number of confirmed cases stands at 725,602.

    The 58 fatalities on Sunday-Monday come after over 100 deaths ever 24 hours for at least five consecutive days.

  • VIDEO: Mahira Khan jams to Humsafar

    Mahira Khan recently participated in ‘Carpool Karoke’ with vlogger Imaara Dharani during which she jammed to songs from her films and dramas and shared some fun facts about them.

    Mahira, jammed to, Humsafar, which is her most special project.

    She also sang Hona Tha Pyar from her first film Bol, in which she was paired opposite Atif Aslam. Mahira, while talking about the song said that shooting it was a fun experience.

    Ballay Ballay from Bin Roye also made it to the playlist, with Mahira sharing that the film took two years to complete.

    How can any Mahira Khan playlist be complete without Zaalima from Raees? Zaalima was the last song on the Carpool Karoke playlist and Mahira revealed that the song was shot in Morocco.

    After winning applause for her acting, Mahira has recently turned producer with a web series titled Baarwan Khiladi.

    Baarwan Khiladi, which features young and upcoming actors including Danyal Zafar, Shahveer Jafry, Kinza Hashmi and Khaqan Shahnawaz, has a cricket-themed story.

  • Man almost marries wrong woman after Google Maps misguides him

    Man almost marries wrong woman after Google Maps misguides him

    A man almost married the wrong woman after Google Maps mislead him to the wrong venue in Indonesia.

    According to details, two ceremonies, a wedding and an engagement were held in the same village on Sunday.

    Ulfa, 27, who was getting engaged was oblivious to the fact that the wrong man had entered her house when she was being attended to by the make-up artist. Chaos ensued when both parties realised that there was a mix-up.

    Speaking about the incident, Ulfa said: “I was shocked when I saw the man’s group as I did not know any of them.” She said that her fiancé and his relatives got late as they stopped on the way to find a toilet.

    She added that her fiancé is from Kendal and the man who arrived at her engagement ceremony was from Pemalang.

    “But my family welcomed them and they proceeded to exchange gifts,” Ulfa told Indonesian news portal Tribunnews.

    When a member from the man’s side realised that they had arrived at the wrong location, they apologised for their mistake before leaving the venue.

    Ulfa’s family helped the man and his family reach the right venue.

  • Turkey, Maldives emerge celebrity pandemic vacation hotspots

    Turkey, Maldives emerge celebrity pandemic vacation hotspots

    If you’re an avid social media user like us, who loves following celebrities, chances are you have seen some of them jetting off to luxury destinations in recent weeks – despite rising coronavirus infection rates and restrictions across the world.

    From Imran Abbas to Sarah Khan to Bollywood stars including Madhuri Dixit, Janhvi Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, several celebrities have been spotted vacationing in Turkey and Maldives.

    Imran Abbas

    Abbas has been keeping us updated with his whereabouts by sharing photos of himself in Turkey. The actor has also been spotted hanging out with several Turkish actors including Yeşim Ceren Bozoğlu, who essays the role of Hazal Hatun in Kurulus: Osman.

    Last month, Abbas also visited the sets of the popular dramas Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman, where actor Celal Al presented him with a handmade flag from the historical series.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistani actor is also all set to host a Ramzan transmission from Istanbul titled Baraan e Rehmat, which will be co-hosted by Reema Khan from Pakistan.

    Sarah Khan and Falak Shabbir

    Sarah and Falak, who tied the knot during the lockdown, have jetted off to Turkey for what appears to be their honeymoon.

    The couple has been sharing loved up photos with each other giving us all the feels besides a serious case of wanderlust.

    Sumbul Iqbal

    Sumbul Iqbal seems to be having the time of her life in Turkey. The Dulhan star shared some gorgeous clicks of herself with fans on her Instagram.

    Iqbal is giving us major fashion inspo also.

    Sumbul is enjoying her Turkish vacation with sister Kompal Iqbal.

    Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt

    Power couple Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt certainly know how to enjoy a getaway and show it too.

    Though the couple was in the country for an ad campaign, they sure struck a balance between work and pleasure.

    The couple also went for a cruise on the Bosphorus.

    Nida Yasir

    Nida was spotted enjoying some family time in Turkey back in February.

    Zara Noor Abbas

    Actress Mariam Mirza and Zara Noor Abbas are recently in Turkey. Mariam Mirza shared pictures, enjoying her holidays with her husband in Turkey and Zara is also having fun there with her freind.

    Fawad Khan

    Recently, Fawad Khan and wife Sadaf were also spotted in Turkey. The photos and videos shared on social media show that they are accompanied by their friends and industry mates.

    This is their first public appearance after the birth of their child. Producer Ammara Hikmat and others shared the snaps on their Instagram stories.

    Madhuri Dixit

    Madhuri Dixit has joined the long list of Bollywood celebrities who went to the Maldives for a family holiday recently.

    The actor has been sharing snippets from her Maldives vacation, which she is enjoying with her husband and sons.

    Dixit’s Maldives itinerary also included thrilling water sports experiences, snorkelling and a date night with husband.

    Janhvi Kapoor

    Janhvi Kapoor is enjoying a vacation in the Maldives with her friends. The actor posted pictures of herself looking absolutely gorgeous in beach wear.

    “Last to get on the Maldives bandwagon but I fully get the hype,” said the actor.

    Dia Mirza

    Dia Mirza, who recently announced that she is expecting, spent the past few days holidaying in the Maldives with her husband Vaibhav Rekhi.

    In fact, Dia announced her pregnancy with a sunset shot from her vacation.

    Shraddha Kapoor

  • Is Meera In A Mental Health Facility?

    Is Meera In A Mental Health Facility?









    *|MC:SUBJECT|*

    Good Morning, *|MERGE1|*. It’s April 9. Yesterday, I took my father for his second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and it is such a relief to know that he now has some kind of protection against the virus. ?Also, as reported by Gulf News, the government plans to open registration for Covid-19 vaccination for all citizens of all age groups after Eid-ul-Fitr.  

    It’s going to be a lovely sunny day but first…some headlines.  

     

    Laila-The Current 

    MORNING MEME
     

    Punjab govt rushes to Tareen’s support amid reports of rift with PTI

    The Punjab government has said that disgruntled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen is an important pillar of the party and had worked hard to form the government of Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar. 

    Do you think Tareen can get back to his old position in PTI or he will have to move on?

    Read On

    73% Pakistanis believe the country is headed in the wrong direction ?

    A recent survey by IPSOS Pakistan has revealed that nearly 73 percent of people believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. 

    At least 1,000 people from all over the country participated in the latest survey that was conducted during the third week of March. 

    Inflation has become the biggest issue for Pakistanis, as two-thirds of survey participants described the current economic situation as bad with increasing skepticism about any betterment in their conditions and with Ramzan coming up in four days, things aren’t looking up.

    Read On

     ‘Meera is perfectly fine’

    Reports of actor Meera being admitted to a mental facility in the United States are doing the rounds on social media and television. 

    But speaking exclusively to The Current, Meera’s manager Hasan said that the actor is doing perfectly fine and is working on a few projects in the States. He said that she does know who started this terrible rumour and asserted there is no truth to it.  

    Read On

    Pakistan becomes the first Asian team to win two bilateral series in South Africa

     Pakistan has become the first Asian team to clinch two bilateral series in South Africa as they defeated the hosts by 28 runs in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) at Centurion. 

    Pakistan will now face the Proteas in four T20Is before moving to Zimbabwe, where they are scheduled to play two Test matches and three T20Is. 
     

     

    Read On

    Imran Abbas to host a Ramzan transmission from Turkey

     Ramzan aa raha hai aur uske saath Ramzan transmissions bhi arahi hain. Actor Imran Abbas will be hosting Ramzan Transmission from the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul. Personally, I don’t get the point of doing a transmission from Turkey. Other celebrities who have been roped in for Ramzan transmissions include Ahsan Khan and Rabia Anum Obaid, who will be hosting a show on PTV. Which transmission are you looking forward to? 

    Read On

    On this day: 9 April ISLAMABAD MARKET BLAST 

     

     On this day, a powerful bomb blast rocked a busy market in Islamabad. It killed at least 24 persons and injured close to a hundred. The separatist United Baloch Army claimed responsibility for the attack. Ten militants were killed in combat, which lasted for five hours.

    Current Baba’s prediction

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  • Atif Mian awarded prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in Economics

    Atif Mian awarded prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in Economics

    The prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in Economics has been awarded to Pakistan’s Dr Atif Mian this year.

    Dr Mian is the co-founder and a board member of the Center of Economic Research Pakistan (CERP). He is currently a Professor of Economics, Public Policy, and Finance at the prestigious Princeton University.

    The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation awards the Guggenheim Fellowship to exceptional individuals who have already demonstrated exceptional ability and creativity in academics.

    The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation was established in 1925. It has granted nearly $400 million in Fellowships to over 18,000 individuals.

    Out of 18,000, 125 are Nobel laureates, members of all the national academies, winners of the Pulitzer Prize, Fields Medal, Turing Award, Bancroft Prize, National Book Award, and other internationally recognised honours.

    Dr Mian was appointed as an advisor in the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) by Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan in-add-date, but was removed following backlash and criticism by extremist religious groups on the government for appointing a person from the Ahmadi faith. His removal on September 7, 2018 prompted council members Asim Ijaz Khwaja and Imran Rasul to resign in protest.

  • Frieha Altaf receives flak for joking about Meera’s mental health

    Frieha Altaf has landed up in the line of fire after a video of hers joking about Meera’s mental health went viral on social media. Reports of Meera being admitted to a mental facility in the United States were doing the rounds on social media and television for the past couple of days.

    In the video, Frieha could be heard laughing and telling a group of people “Meera ko mental institution main daal diya gaya hai (Meera has been put into a mental institution).”

    The video did not go down well with the public, who called out the former model for her “insensitive” and “callous” remarks.

    https://twitter.com/PropitiousOn3O/status/1380404924480163840
    https://twitter.com/AamnaFasihi/status/1380253124707938308

    Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to The Current, Meera’s manager Hasan said that the actor is doing perfectly fine and is working on a few projects in the States. He said that Meera does know who started this terrible rumour and asserted there is no truth to it.

    However, some reports claim that Meera has been discharged from the mental facility after Captain Naveed paid $50,000 for her ‘bail’.

  • Prince Philip passes away at 99

    Prince Philip passes away at 99

    Queen Elizabeth II’s husband and the longest-serving consort of any British monarch Prince Philip has died at age 99.

    In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

    “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle,” it added.

    The statement also said that further announcements will be made in due course.

    Philip, who retired from public duties in 2017, had earlier been admitted to hospital on February 16, 2021. He went back home after nearly a month during which he was treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection.

    His death comes just months before his 100th birthday in June — an event typically marked in Britain with a congratulatory message from the queen, who is now Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

    The couple, who celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in November, had been living largely in isolation at Windsor Castle, west of London because their advanced age put them at heightened risk from COVID-19. They received their first vaccinations against the virus in January.

    Officially known as the Duke of Edinburgh, Philip married Prince Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen and had been by his wife’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history. During this time he earned a reputation for a tough, no-nonsense attitude and a propensity for occasional gaffes. He is also credited with playing a key role in modernising the monarchy in the post-World War Two period, and behind the walls of Buckingham Palace being the one key figure the queen could turn to and trust.

    “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” Elizabeth said in a rare personal tribute to Philip made in a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.

    Read more – ‘We’re not a racist family’: Prince William rejects Meghan’s claims of racism

    The couple had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.