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  • Tariq Bashir Cheema refutes son’s involvement in Bahawalpur University scandal

    Tariq Bashir Cheema refutes son’s involvement in Bahawalpur University scandal

    Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Tariq Bashir Cheema, has said in a press conference that his son, Walidad Cheema, has no involvement in the Bahawalpur University scandal. He further said that his political rivals are using this case as a tool to defame him.

    A major scandal involving illicit activities, such as the use and sale of drugs, illegal medications and prohibited videos of female students and staff, at the Islamia University in Bahawalpur, surfaced earlier this month.

    Tariq Bashir Cheema, a senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), also demanded that a commission of high court judges be set up to properly investigate the matter.

    Stating that he is willing to cooperate with every inquiry committee along with his son, Cheema stated that he would throw out his son from his house if Walidad had any involvement in the matter.

    On the other hand, Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that the people who are involved and responsible for this incident will be severely punished.

    Earlier, Islamia University Bahawalpur’s Chief Security Officer was apprehended by police on charges of drug possession and possession of objectionable material, including videos and pictures of the university’s female officials and students.

  • Sonam Kapoor set to make her on-screen comeback after pregnancy

    Sonam Kapoor set to make her on-screen comeback after pregnancy

    Bollywood diva Sonam Kapoor is going to make a comeback to the big screen after taking a break from acting following the birth of her son in 2022. Pinkvilla has reported that the ‘Aisha’ actress spoke about wanting to do only two projects a year, aiming for those that appeal to family audience:

     “I’m looking to do two projects year on year from here on and I’m going to look for scripts that are hugely entertaining & engaging. I’m being drawn to subjects that appeal to a wider audience segment so that we can enjoy movies as a family, as a community.”

    The actress also said she would love to do films that entertain audiences, because it brings her joy to see people forget their current reality and enjoy cinema:

    “I have always loved to be a part of projects that have entertained audiences. As I return to the cinemas post pregnancy, I will endeavor to do just that because it brings me joy to see people forget about their current reality to enjoy cinema and the world that it can create for us.”

    The actress had opened up in April about dealing with post-partum period in an interview with Grazia India, where she discussed the immense pressure put on moms to lose their post-delivery weight, and how it wrecks your self-confidence:

    “I’m not scared of anything in that sense, ageing or anything else but I just don’t feel like myself. If I’m shooting, I send my measurements in advance, I don’t want to come back feeling like I’m not fitting into these tiny clothes, it plays a huge havoc on your self-confidence.”

    Kapoor said she was taking her time and taking care of her health while breast feeding her baby, and was not following any diet plans:

    “I’m not back to what I used to be and I’m not even pushing myself – I’m still breastfeeding, and I hope to continue for at least a year. Your body needs the food, rest, and energy while you’re doing that. I’m not on any crazy diet, I’m exercising – I exercised through my pregnancy – and being healthy. I took care of myself through my pregnancy and I’m going to continue doing that and not check the scales.”

  • Dar credits govt’s prudent economic policies as Pakistan’s forex reserves rise to $14 billion

    Dar credits govt’s prudent economic policies as Pakistan’s forex reserves rise to $14 billion

    In a recent Senate session, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have witnessed a significant increase, rising from $8 billion to an impressive $14 billion. He attributed this remarkable growth to the government’s prudent economic policies and the unwavering support received from friendly nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China.

    Dar said that China played a pivotal role in bolstering Pakistan’s financial position. Recognising Pakistan’s adherence to all technicalities regarding loan repayment, China graciously agreed to roll over the country’s loans. This move from China came as a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations.

    Speaking about the nation’s economic future, Dar urged all political forces to unite and collaborate on a charter for the economy. The proposed charter aims to tackle the country’s financial challenges collectively, serving as a guiding framework to lead Pakistan out of the current financial crisis.

    Addressing a specific issue, the Finance Minister expressed concern over Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) annual loss of approximately Rs70 billion. He attributed this financial setback to an irresponsible statement made by a former minister during the previous regime. Dar highlighted the need for careful and responsible statements from leaders, as they can have far-reaching consequences for the national flag carrier.

    In a piece of encouraging news for the aviation sector, the minister also shared that the Pakistan Airports Authority Bill 2023 is on track to be implemented. Once enacted, this bill will pave the way for the resumption of PIA’s operations in Europe. The move is expected to bolster the airline’s revenue and contribute positively to the nation’s economic growth.

  • Senate drops bill to outlaw ‘violent, radical’ groups in politics

    Senate drops bill to outlaw ‘violent, radical’ groups in politics

    Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani has dropped the controversial Prohibition of Extremism bill that could potentially ban “any extremist or violent” organisation in the political sphere.

    The bill, presented by State Minister Shahadat Awan, was dropped when members expressed anger over the legalisation.

    The Senate Chairman said, “The government can decide whether it wants to pursue this bill or not […] but for now, I am dropping it”.

    A majority of Senators, including the Balochistan National Party’s (BNP) Tahir Bizenjo, opposed the bill, expressing their displeasure that such choices are taken only at the wish of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) without any consultations.

    A sizable chunk of senators have said that the bill is “dangerous for democracy”.

    Jamaat-e-Islami’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmed said that “This bill will be the last nail in democracy’s coffin.”

  • Muslim woman assaulted molested by mob in India, footage sparks outrage

    Muslim woman assaulted molested by mob in India, footage sparks outrage

    Trigger warning: Assault

    In a disturbing incident in Ujjain city, Madhya Pradesh, India, a Muslim woman, who is a physiotherapist by profession, fell victim to a heinous assault and molestation by a group of men while she was on her way home, Dawn has reported on Monday.

    According to local media reports, the incident occurred on Friday, and the suspects allegedly tried to molest her. When she bravely resisted, the attackers resorted to physical violence, subjecting her to a brutal beating. Notably, the girl’s cousin, who rushed to her aid, was also attacked by the assailants.

    Shocking footage of the incident has circulated on social media, showing the attackers using iron rods and bats to assault the victim’s cousin.

    Outraged by the appalling act, members of the Muslim community and local Congress party lawmaker Noori Khan took to the streets and staged a sit-in protest outside the Ujjain SP office, demanding justice for the victims and stringent action against the perpetrators.

    Noori Khan expressed her deep concern and empathy for the victim after visiting her at the Ujjain Civil Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment for her injuries. Ms. Khan took to Twitter, stating that the victim’s agony and the disturbing sequence of events have left her shocked.

    Adding further details to the incident, the victim herself took to her Twitter account and revealed that five men were involved in the brutal attack.

    Law enforcement authorities have been urged to take prompt action in identifying and apprehending the culprits to deliver justice to the victims and send a strong message against such heinous crimes.

    The incident has also sparked conversations on social media platforms, with netizens coming together to condemn the act and call for measures to ensure the safety of women in public spaces.

    As the investigation continues, the victims and their families await justice, while the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective efforts to eradicate violence against women and create a safer environment for all citizens.

  • Twitter rallies behind Cardi B after she throws mic at fan who splashed drink on her

    Twitter rallies behind Cardi B after she throws mic at fan who splashed drink on her

    This summer we have seen a trend of singers and musicians being assaulted while performing on stage including Bebe Rexha, Ava Max, Drake and Harry Styles. It’s clearly gross to witness public figures turned into fodder for jokes and harassment when they are entertaining us.

    Cardi B became the latest target of the trend when during a performance at Las Vegas, a fan threw a drink on the singer. However, the rapper was quick to respond, throwing her much right back at the assaulter.

    When the incident went viral on social media, fans were quick to defend the ‘WAP’ singer, calling out the people who refuse to recognise that performers are not spectacles to be made fun of, and no woman should be assaulted when they’re doing their job.

    “Exactly it’s about time a performer retaliated to this ‘trend’”, a user wrote.

    https://twitter.com/VioletHazeDC/status/1685462525918232576?s=20

    Grammy winning singer Adele recently slammed concert-goers for throwing things at singers, threatening to respond back brutally if someone assaulted her while she was singing on stage.

    “Have you noticed how people are like, forgetting f****** show etiquette at the moment? People just throwing s*** on stage, have you seen them?” Adele was seen speaking in a fan-recorded video.

    “I f****** dare you. Dare you to throw something at me and I’ll f*****g kill you.”

    https://twitter.com/LAVISHSZN_/status/1685464761947897856?s=20
  • Bilawal Bhutto attends unveiling of Benazir Bhutto’s statue at Madame Tussauds in Dubai

    Bilawal Bhutto attends unveiling of Benazir Bhutto’s statue at Madame Tussauds in Dubai

    Foreign Minister of Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attended the Commemoration Ceremony at which a wax figure of his mother, the Muslim world’s first female Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Dubai.

    In a tweet on Sunday, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman said that, “With immense pride and humility, I attended the unveiling of the statue of the first Pakistani personality to be commemorated at Madame Tussauds today in Dubai – the inimitable, the indomitable, the irreplaceable, my mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.”

    He hoped that  statue will serve to inspire generations to come and remind us of the enduring resonance of the values of his mother lived and fought for – democracy, justice, human rights, rule of law, compassion, and freedom.

    He further expressed gratitude to the Madame Tussauds Dubai on behave of the Bhutto Family for the gesture, he said, “My family and I, and indeed, all Pakistanis are profoundly grateful to Madame Tussauds Dubai for honouring Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s memory and legacy.”

    The late Benazir Bhutto was the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world. She became the head of the country at the age of 35, after a prolonged fight against the dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq, who had hanged her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

    Benazir Bhutto was killed in a terrorist attack in Rawalpindi after giving a speech at an election rally in December 2007. Just two months earlier, she had survived a terrorist attack on her convoy after her triumphant return to Pakistan.

  • ‘Elections either in three months or two years’; Raja Riaz sets alarm bells ringing

    ‘Elections either in three months or two years’; Raja Riaz sets alarm bells ringing

    Opposition leader in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz, has set alarm bells ringing with his prediction that if elections are not held within three months, they will be delayed for two years.

    “I can see two scenarios. I have told you about them both,” he told Dawn News in an interview. When prompted if he had been told this by someone, Riaz clarified that it was what he can foresee based on his political experience.

    “There are two positions. One, if you look at democracy and constitution, general elections should take place within 90 days,” he said. However, he added that considering the severe economic challenges the country is facing, “a decision in the nation’s interest should be taken.”

    He also expressed the opinion that a caretaker setup should be given at least one year to fix the economic problems.

    Raja Riaz is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday to give names for his nominees of caretaker Prime Minister.

  • Pakistan’s stock market crosses 48,000 mark after two years

    Pakistan’s stock market crosses 48,000 mark after two years

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index soared past the 48,000 mark, reaching a 24-month high, on Monday, as investors responded to recent positive economic developments in the country. Analysts predict that the prevailing positive sentiment is likely to continue in the coming days.

    The bullish trend in the market gained momentum after Pakistan reached a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The agreement with the IMF has provided investors with renewed confidence in the country’s economic prospects, leading to a surge in market activity.

    Additionally, news on Pakistan’s mineral sector contributed significantly to the market’s gains. The announcement of favorable developments in the country’s mineral sector further boosted investor optimism and drove the benchmark index to reach new heights.

    During intra-day trade, the KSE-100 index saw a significant increase of 1,010.72 points or 2.15 per cent, culminating at 48,062.56 points. This remarkable rise marks a notable increase from the previous close of 47,076.9 points, which itself was a 21-month high.

    The impressive growth of the market has been sustained over time, as evidenced by a remarkable overall gain of more than 6,600 points (+15.9 per cent) since the staff-level agreement was reached with the IMF. The deal, which amounted to a $3 billion Standby Agreement, has been instrumental in driving investor confidence and attracting more capital to the market.

    Financial experts and market observers are optimistic about the future trajectory of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, given the positive economic indicators and recent developments in the country.

    The confidence in the market has sparked interest from both local and international investors, resulting in increased trading volumes and a positive impact on the overall economy.

  • Nawaz will face the law after return to the country, Shehbaz confirms

    Nawaz will face the law after return to the country, Shehbaz confirms

    According to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, will face the law after his return to Pakistan.

    In an interview on Geo News’ ‘Jirga’, Shehbaz Sharif said that his brother, the former prime minister who has been living in London since 2019, will come back to his homeland in the next few weeks.

    Shahbaz Sharif further said that “Nawaz Sharif will return home and face the courts and he is not like Imran Khan who is not respecting the law while living in this country”

    In a response to a question, PM Shehbaz called the May 9 riots, which were started by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in a corruption case, a conspiracy against Pakistan.

    The Prime Minister further said, “Those involved in the May 9 incidents wanted to overthrow the military leadership”.

    Shehbaz Sharif also said that the people involved in the May 9 riots as well as the planners of this incident wanted “anarchy” and “civil war”.

    To another question, the prime minister said that his government struggled hard to bring the country back from default risk and restore the lost dignity of Pakistan.