Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday, while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, that the government will end on August 14 and a caretaker government will take charge.
Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister last year in April after a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly against former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“I assure you that our government will end on August 14, and whenever elections happen, the ECP will announce it, and I hope that whichever government comes, it prioritises education,” Shehbaz said while addressing an event in Islamabad.
Shehbaz Sharif had already mentioned his plans on Thursday while addressing the nation but he also said that the country will be the responsibility of the caretaker government after the end of his tenure in August 2023. Earlier, a parliamentary committee sped up work on election reforms by examining 73 rectification proposals presented before it.
In anticipation of the upcoming month of Muharram, which signifies the start of the new Islamic year, gold prices in Pakistan experienced significant gains on Thursday.
Data provided by the All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) reveals that the price of 24-carat gold rose by Rs4,000 per tola and Rs3,429 per 10 grammes, settling at Rs208,000 and Rs178,326, respectively.
Simultaneously, the international market witnessed a surge in the price of gold, with a $13 increase, reaching $1,959 per ounce. This rise in gold rates can be attributed to prevailing political and economic uncertainties, as well as high inflation in Pakistan. During such periods, individuals often turn to gold as a safe investment and hedge against market volatility.
As the month of Muharram approaches, there is typically an upswing in the buying and selling of this precious commodity, leading to increased demand. Supporting this trend, APSGJA data reveals that the price of silver rose by Rs50 per tola and Rs42.87 per 10 grammes, settling at Rs2,600 and Rs2,229.08, respectively. Notably, the previous day witnessed a decline in the bullion price by Rs500 per tola and Rs429 per 10 grammes.
Furthermore, the local currency demonstrated minimal gains of 0.37 per cent against the US dollar in the interbank market today, as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The rupee closed at Rs276.46 against the dollar.
Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have surged by over $4 billion following a deposit of $1.2 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
As per data shared by the central bank, Pakistan has also received $1 billion from the UAE and $2 billion from Saudi Arabia, resulting in a significant increase in the SBP’s foreign exchange reserves, which now stand at $8.4 billion.
During a televised address earlier today, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are projected to reach approximately $13-$14 billion by July 14.
He emphasised that Pakistan is experiencing a resurgence in development and prosperity. Minister Dar acknowledged the instrumental role played by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in reaching an agreement with the IMF, highlighting the unwavering support provided by the economic team throughout the intricate process.
It is noteworthy that the International Monetary Fund granted approval for a $3 billion loan to Pakistan, subsequent to the signing of a staff-level agreement last month.
The Supreme Court has fixed hearings for the Practise and Procedure bill case as well as the civilian trial cases in military courts.
The Supreme Court will hear the Practise and Procedure bill case on July 21. There is an injunction on the implementation of the law by the court until an announcement is made.
An eight-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial will hear the case.
Moreover, a petition against the trials of civilians in military courts has also been fixed for hearing on July 18.
During the last hearing of the case pertaining to military courts, the CJP stressed the importance of maintaining high morale in the Army. He also said that any decline in morale could only benefit the enemy.
Pakistan has an ambitious plan to raise a 500-foot flag in Lahore, with the goal of claiming the title of the country’s tallest flag. The project, which comes with a significant cost of Rs40 crore, will be showcased during a grand flag-raising ceremony on Pakistan’s Independence Day, August 14, 2023.
This endeavor is part of an ongoing competition between Pakistan and India to erect the tallest flag. The rivalry began in 2017 when India proudly hoisted a 360-foot flag at the Attari-Wagah border in March of that year. In response, Pakistan swiftly raised a 400-foot flag at the same border on its Independence Day in August 2017. India then surpassed this height by unveiling a 418-foot flag at the Indo-Pak border in Amritsar later that October. Now, Pakistan seeks to take the lead by installing a 500-foot flag in Lahore.
Opinions on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook regarding this competition are varied. Some view it as a patriotic display of national pride, while others criticise it as a misuse of taxpayer money and valuable resources. Concerns have also been raised about potential environmental and security implications associated with such colossal flags, as they could pose threats to birds and aircraft.
Who in Pakistan is spending such lavish amount on raising flag ?
Being an Indian I can make fun of this but being a fellow human I would suggest you people to not waste money like this and spend them on boosting Pakistan’s economy #SincereOpinion
A symbol of national pride! Pakistan plans to raise a 500-foot flag in Lahore, continuing the friendly competition with India for the tallest flagpole in the region. The project, costing Rs. 400 million, showcases patriotism and unity while sparking debates about resource pic.twitter.com/UePkIfACBj
According to reports, the remarkable project is being funded by the Punjab government. The flag itself will be made of polyester fabric, weighing a staggering 800 kg. The flagpole, constructed with steel and concrete, will have a base diameter of 12 feet, tapering to 4 feet at the top. Equipped with LED lights and a sound system, the flag will be visible from a distance of 15 km.
The flag-raising ceremony is scheduled for August 14, 2023, marking the 76th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has praised the building speed of controversial land tycoon Malik Riaz, during a televised address to his followers.
Explaining the Al-Qadir university case to his followers on Wednesday, in which the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman and his wife Bushra Bibi have been accused of accepting land in return for giving Riaz £190 pounds of state money, Imran Khan called the property baron, “the biggest builder in Pakistan.”
Pointing out that Malik Riaz was already involved in Ravi City and a less-cost housing scheme, Imran Khan gave the reason for selecting the property tycoon for Al-Qadir university, a project for which Riaz gave them land and became a patron.
“I asked Malik Riaz to do this project only because he is speedy and is the biggest builder of Pakistan,” he stated.
“The work it took us 15 years to finish at NUML, Malik Riaz has finished at Al-Qadir in three years,” said Imran Khan, repeating once again that he is “the biggest builder”.
The former Premier also revealed that it was Malik Riaz who offered to “sponsor” the entire project.
Khan and his wife are both facing a probe at the National Accountability Bureau for giving Riaz £190 million, handed over by Riaz to British authorities after an investigation into “dirty money”, which were returned by United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency to Pakistan.
‘Tumhare Husn Kay Naam’, the new drama serial on Green TV is a timeless love-story woven in threads of melancholic romance, philosophy and nostalgia. Salma (played by Qamar) and Sikandar (played by Abbas), the main leads, epitomize true love as a condition that defies all man-made social divisions and differences. Gear up for a classic romance story bound to stir an ocean of emotions within you.
In the first episode we see that Salma’s mother doesn’t like her daughter’s avoid painting and singing but her father supports her.
Salma is hit by a ball by Sikander at her university, leading him to worry that he may be expelled. He is poor but he loves the arts and wants to become an architect.
He apologizes to Salma, and the two become closer.
The serial breaks the heart with an amazing story, that triumphs with the brilliant direction of Saqib Khan and spectacular performances by Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas.
The episode also got positive reviews from social media.
Shah Rukh Khan’s 1994 blockbuster film ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’ is regarded as one of the best Bollywood rom-coms, and among the many classics that have cemented the Bollywood Badshah’s legacy.
Recently, actress Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, who played the female lead Anna, revealed in an interview that during filming, Khan’s wife Gauri visited the sets. The actress gushed about how Shah Rukh was loving and devoted to his wife, and noted that it was his vulnerability that the director, Kundan Shah, utilised in the film which made it the cult classic it is today.
“We were witnessing it on the set with Gauri. The way he was with Gauri, he used to be like she is made of rose petals, you know the way he used to treat her. It was just so beautiful,” she said.
Recalling her time shooting the film, Suchitra revealed that the Bollywood Badshah was completely reserved, and was especially very shy around women:
“Shah Rukh was very reserved. I used to hang out with Gauri. He used to be quite shy and quiet with me. I think he was shy with women.”
Shah Rukh and Gauri married in October 1991, facing some hurdles because Khan was a Muslim while his wife was from a Hindu family. In a recently resurfaced interview that went viral on the internet, Shah Ruhk chuckled about how he played a prank on Gauri’s family by making them think he would make his wife change her religion after marriage.
“I remember, when their whole family, old fashioned people, I respect them all and respect their beliefs but at that time, in that old-fashioned reception, all of them were sitting there when I came in at 1:15, whispering “Hmmm.. He’s a Muslim boy. Hmm.. Will he change the girl’s name? Will she (Gauri) become a Muslim,” Shah Rukh was seen saying in the video.
“Then, I said ‘OK Gauri, put on your ‘burqa’ and let’s recite the namaaz now’. The whole family stared at us wondering if I had changed her religion already. So I told them, ‘From now on she will wear a burqa all the time, she won’t ever leave the house and her name will be changed to Ayesha and she will be like this’.”
Shah Rukh certainly proved that everything could change but he will remain the king of wit, but what was incredibly moving about this clip is how he declares that all religions must be respected, but it shouldn’t come in the way of love.
“I had a lot of fun, but the lesson in all of this was that one should respect religions, but it should not come in the way of love. But it was a great wedding and it’s still going on strong,” SRK concluded.
From the moment it graced our screens, ‘Kuch Ankahi’- with its story of three sisters dealing with marriage pressure, workplace harassment, taking on a challenging careers- seared itself on the Pakistani entertainment industry as a cultural milestone that told a gorgeous story about the bond of sisterhood.
Only 26 episodes long, ‘Kuch Ankahi’ won our hearts with its flawless story telling and brave portrayal of issues that today’s political climate would have prevented them from doing so.
With the final episode coming up on Saturday, our hearts are heavy as we will no longer have to look forward to Shamoo Begum and Agha Jaan kay jhagray, Alia and Salman’s cat and mouse chase and the wholesome love between the three sisters. Let’s look back at the five moments where ‘Kuch Ankahi’ truly proved that it was a masterclass in good story telling.
1 The men in the drama won our hearts.
At a time when dramas today think a hit series needs a man slapping a woman or a girl being forcibly married without her consent, ‘Kuch Ankahi’ set the bar higher by proving that what audiences want is not violence, but well-written characters that are supportive of the women around them. The bond that the father Agha Jaan had with his daughters, and how he kept taking their side regardless of what society told him, moved us to tears. His defence of youngest daughter Tanya and her passion to become a filmmaker, or backing Samiya if she wanted to back out of her marriage at the last minute.
kuch ankahi keeps on getting better, first showed men doing chores, now them knowing how to sew button?? like damn yess, these are basic life skills, and has nothing to w gender.#kuchankahipic.twitter.com/4vowCbv2VD
2. When the show made a breakthrough by supporting Joyland
In a scene in episode four that takes place in Tanya’s room, Aliya stands behind her wall of posters, among which is Saim Sadiq’s film ‘Joyland’, a love story between a transgender woman and a man. It was a small, but powerful display of support towards Pakistani filmmakers.
Was shocked at first. Turned out this is #kuchankahi by @nadeembaigg starring Sajal, Mira Sethi &many more amazing people so it all made sense then.This is the sweetest and smartest way to show support to your fellow artists. Thank you team ! ✨ @KashfFoundation#joylandpic.twitter.com/w0h53BQL1G
3 The nikkah scene that defended the right to divorce clause and urged for women to be aware of their rights in the marriage contract
The nikkah scene from episode 11 received praise on Twitter when Sofia phupoo (played by actress Vaneeza Ahmed) passionately urged the molvi sahab to not cut out the clauses from the nikkah where the woman writes down her demands, highlighting that these are essential for a woman’s safety in marriage, as Islam has rightfully granted them.
Kudos to team Kuch Ankahi for such an excellent drama & raising awareness for this issue in particular. The right of divorce is a clause in Nikah form that everyone including girl’s family are are upon ignoring. It protects a woman in marriage,specially in our patriarchal culture pic.twitter.com/bi0qRrwhuS
With the story of Deepak, the son of the family’s Hindu house helper, the drama dwelled into the growing issue of child abuse, as he is raped by the tailor he works with. Later, when Sofia phupho and the family learn about the crime, they take in Deepak as a family member and enroll him in a good school so that he regains his confidence in a safe environment.
5 Neha and her dream to become a tiktok star
Any woman on screen who isn’t a gharelo good girl married off at the age of 20, is either an awaragard or too bold for society or someone who meets a tragic end. Especially so for women who are obsessed with using social media apps like TikTok . But ‘Kuch Ankahi’ debunks this mindset with the wholesome story of Neha, the daughter of a Hindu working class family, who loves using TikTok. However , she fears her father will beat her if her videos are found. But as the story progresses, Neha finds new-found courage with the support of Taniya to keep making videos, and soon she gets a job as an actress, with her father completely supporting her choice.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) forward bloc leader Gul Bar Khan has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Giglit-Baltistan (GB) on Thrusday.
Gul Bar received 19 votes out of 20 members present in the assembly. He got elected unopposed after the other three opponents withdrew their nomination papers.
Haji Gul Bar Khan had the support of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
It should be noted that former Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed of the PTI got unqualified in a fake degree case. After his disqualification, the number of members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has reduced to 32.
