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  • Kate Middleton’s fingers break Royal Family tradition during Easter

    Kate Middleton’s fingers break Royal Family tradition during Easter

    The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is well known for her strict adherence to royal customs while making public appearances for the Crown. However, during an Easter outing on Monday, the 41- years-old duchess stunned on-lookers by choosing to wear red nail polish, instead of a neutral color.

    The event was the first time Middleton and her husband Prince William had made their appearance as the newly-inaugurated Prince and Princess of Wales, a title previously held by Prince Charles, who is now the King after the demise of Elizabeth II. The couple were joined by their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

    Rules about dressing and appearance etiquette are extremely strict which members of the Royal Family must adhere to at all times. Women resist from wearing bright nail polish and can only stick to neutral shades when attending public events.

    The late Queen wore bright colours in public in order to stand out from the crowd. Tiaras can only be worn by married women in the Royal Family, not single women or children.

    The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle had drawn backlash in 2018, when she attended the Fashion Awards, where she was spotted flaunting a black manicure, which broke royal protocol.

  • Pakistan to receive written guarantee from UAE for $1 billion loan

    Pakistan to receive written guarantee from UAE for $1 billion loan

    Pakistan is making progress towards securing a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with a $1 billion financing pledge from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expected this week. Sources suggest that the UAE will provide written confirmation of the financing to the IMF through the Finance Secretary during the current annual meeting in Washington.

    To secure external financing for this fiscal year, the IMF has asked Pakistan to seek assurances from friendly countries and multilateral partners for funding its balance of payment gap. In addition to Saudi Arabia’s $2 billion pledge, the agreement with the IMF is also contingent on the UAE’s $1 billion commitment.

    According to sources within the Ministry of Finance, the UAE has finalised the agreement, and as soon as Pakistan receives a written guarantee from the Gulf state, the IMF will also be informed. This development follows requests from Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister to UAE officials to complete the necessary prerequisites for the Fund.

    Pakistan is currently facing one of the most severe economic crises in its history, with consumer prices at a record high and interest rates raised to an all-time high. Due to a dollar shortage, the IMF has revised its growth forecast for Pakistan to 0.5% from the earlier estimate of 2%, causing supply chain disruptions and companies to halt production.

    The IMF is also assessing the coalition government’s proposed fuel discount for lower-income groups, which is planned to be financed by raising fuel prices for wealthier motorists. The finance minister has assured that the IMF has received all the required information.

    The finance minister had cancelled his scheduled in-person meetings with IMF officials in Washington but has repeatedly claimed that the staff-level agreement with the lender would be reached soon. Islamabad has been hosting an IMF mission since January to negotiate policy measures and secure $1.1 billion in funding for the cash-strapped economy, which is on the verge of collapse.

    The funds are part of a $6.5 billion bailout package approved by the IMF in 2019, which analysts argue is crucial for Pakistan to avoid defaulting on external payment obligations. The deal will also unlock other financing options to shore up Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which have fallen to four weeks’ worth of import cover and help resolve the balance of payment crisis.

  • Imran ne kaha ke Bushra Bibi se shaadi karne par woh PM ban jaye gaye, claims Mufti

    Mufti Saeed, who solemnised the nikkah of former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and his third wife Bushra Bibi, has told a court in Islamabad that Khan told him that there was a prediction that if he married Bushra Bibi, he would become the prime minister.

    Stating that he solemnised their nikkah on January 1, 2018, Muft Saeed said that later Khan himself told him the first nikkah was illegal as per Islamic law, and asked him to perform the ceremony again.

    When the first nikkah took place, Khan took Mufti Saeed, a former close associate, to a house in Lahore where he met a woman who identified herself as Bushra Bibi’s sister. Saeed claimed that he asked the woman if Bushra bibi’s nikkah could be solemnised as per Shariah, to which she said yes.

    On the woman’s assurance, Mufti Saeed carried on with the formalities. But later in February of the same year, Khan requested him to conduct another nikkah with Bushra on the pretext that the first time her iddat had not been completed.

    Iddat is a period in Islamic law where either after being widowed or getting divorced, a Muslim woman may not marry another man. Once the stipulated period is over, she can marry whoever she wants to.

    Mufti Saeed said Khan claimed that Bushra Bibi got divorced in November 2017, hence, according to Mufti, they both got married knowing all the facts, yet went ahead with the nikkah. He also stated that their marriage is “illegal”.

  • Govt announces relief for employees with early salary and pension release ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

    Govt announces relief for employees with early salary and pension release ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

    To ease the burden of inflation on the public, the federal government has decided to release salaries to employees of public sector departments before Eid-ul-Fitr. This decision was made after consultations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

    Pakistan is currently facing historic levels of inflation which resulted in many individuals being unable to afford basic necessities. In addition, the country is struggling to secure external financing, with the threat of default looming over it.

    Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has confirmed that the government will also be releasing monthly pensions before the festival. As a result of this decision, Finance Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh has been directed to make the necessary arrangements.

    In a similar move, the Government of Sindh had previously announced the early release of salaries for Muslim government employees ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. According to a notification from the finance department, full pay and allowances will be paid in advance to all Muslim employees and pensioners of the Provincial Government of Sindh, including work-charged and contingent paid establishment.

    The salaries and pensions will be released on April 17, instead of May 2, as Eid is expected to fall on either April 21 or April 22, according to Geo.

  • Islamabad: Tehzeeb Bakers sealed after six workers test positive for Hepatitis

    Islamabad: Tehzeeb Bakers sealed after six workers test positive for Hepatitis

    Islamabad’s famous Tehzeeb Bakers in Blue Area has been sealed by the Senior Special Magistrate of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Tuesday following a complaint from the health services directorate of the civic authority, The Nation has reported. The complaint reported that six workers of the bakery had recently tested positive for Hepatitis after undergoing tests.

    The Senior Special Magistrate, Sardar Muhammad Asif, was informed that the management of Tehzeeb Bakers was notified about the infected workers and instructed to remove them from work, but they failed to comply with the directions and allowed them to continue working in their previous positions.

    As a result, the Senior Special Magistrate of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ordered the sealing of Tehzeeb Bakers. The official notice issued by the Magistrate states that the bakery has committed severe violations resulting in widespread transmission of Hepatitis among the public. The bakery has now been sealed to prevent further spread of Hepatitis among customers. The notice further expressed the hope that the closure of Tehzeeb Bakers would safeguard the public from contracting Hepatitis.

  • ‘I did not chose to sit there’: Justice Faez Isa speaks up on criticism

    ‘I did not chose to sit there’: Justice Faez Isa speaks up on criticism

    Justice Qazi Faez Isa of the Supreme Court has spoken up about why he was present at the National Assembly’s (NA) special session on Monday in honour of the 50 years of the Constitution.

    The future Chief Justice was criticised by certain sections of the political class and legal fraternity for attending the celebration.

    There was much talk on why Justice Isa was seated in the front row in the National Assembly. Issuing a clarification on his presence, speech and seating arrangement, the justice said that he accepted the invitation because he wanted to show solidarity with the Constitution.

    Talking about the backlash he received, Isa said, “I would have preferred to sit in the hall on one side or in the gallery but respect was shown to a member of the judiciary by seating me at the centre; I did not chose to sit there.”

    The justice also said that prior to accepting the invitation, inquires were made as to whether there would be political speeches, and assurances were extended that only the Constitution and its making would be spoken about; the programme sent to him also confirmed this.

    “I had been asked if I would like to speak and I had declined. However, when political statements were made [in a few of the speeches), I requested to speak to correct any misconceptions that may arise, and I did so,” said Justice Isa

    “The Golden Jubilee of the Constitution is a celebration of all citizens; it is not exclusive domain of any political party or institution,” said Justice Isa.

    Justice Faez Isa’s presence in National Assembly triggers heated debate

    Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s presence at the National Assembly triggered a heated debate among politicians, lawmakers and analysts.

    Speaking on the occasion, Justice Isa said — on behalf of the Supreme Court — that the apex court “stood by the Constitution”.

    “After God, we are under the protection of the Constitution,” he said. “As you are experts in politics, the law is my field,” the Justice of the apex court stated, adding, “You can comment and criticise when you deem it right as you have done, and that critique was heard.”

    Holding a booklet of the constitution of Pakistan in his hand, Justice Isa said: “This book is the identity of Pakistan and its people.”

    Emphasising that there was a need to truly cherish the Constitution, “Not because it guarantees my salary, but because it is essential for us and safeguards our rights,” he made is clear that he will speak about the constitution and will not endorse political views.

    However, being seen sitting in the front row along with the politicians belonging to the ruling coalition created stir on social media, where politicians, lawmakers and analysts in equal parts criticised and appreciated his presence in the NA moot.

    https://twitter.com/RealWaqarMaliks/status/1645373259267883009?s=20

    Talking to The News, Supreme Court lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said: “First of all, the issue is that Justice Qazi Faez Isa does not represent the SC; it is always the CJP [who does so]. 

    “And Justice Isa was not nominated by the CJP to represent the SC either. And then it seems other judges opted not to go to the event so it was not a wise decision [for Justice Isa] to go there at such a charged time. And then they made him sit right with all these politicians. The problem is: when you go to political events, it invites political commentary. Why make things controversial?”

    SAPM on Interior and Legal Affairs Attaullah Tarar said, “I don’t understand what this criticism is about. Had he spoken about politics or political parties, they could have criticised him in whatever manner they deemed fit. But here a judge is speaking just about the constitution and is not endorsing any political views.

    Anchorperson Muneeb Farooq while speaking with The News said that he does “not have any objection with regard to Justice Isa’s presence at the convention. It was a day to celebrate and he gave a decent speech [during which] not once but twice he distanced himself by saying he did not subscribe to any of the political speeches being made in parliament.”

  • Kya Shehbaz Sharif, Imran Khan ko aglay jummay iftari pe bula rahay hain?

    An important figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Barrister Zafarullah Khan, has suggested to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif that he invite bitter rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for Iftar next Friday.

    Speaking on Geo News programme, ‘Capital Talk’, Zafarullah said that Imran Khan should go and meet the prime minister. “If he [Imran Khan] turns up, well and good. If not, then it should be bye-bye.”

    Journalist Hamid Mir said that he has information that backdoor efforts are being made to establish contacts between the government and PTI. However, Mir said that according to what he knows Shahbaz and Khan are not ready to sit together.

    Meanwhile, President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Abid Zuberi said that if the prime minister calls, Khan must go to Iftar.

    Speaking in the same program, the Chairperson Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Hina Jilani said that if Khan really wants dialogue, he should go to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

  • Video: Kuwait media launches AI generated newscaster

    A Kuwaiti media organisation has introduced a virtual news anchor created through AI, with plans in place to use it for presenting online news reports.
    The AI news anchor, named “Fedha”, was presented on Kuwait News website’s Twitter account.

    The Kuwait News website is linked to the Kuwait Times, which was established in 1961 as the first English-language daily in the Gulf region. Abdullah Boftain, who serves as the deputy editor in chief for both outlets, has stated that the creation of the AI news anchor “Fedha” was an experiment to explore the possibilities of AI in delivering fresh and innovative content.

    According to Abdullah Boftain, in the future, “Fedha” the AI news anchor could potentially use a Kuwaiti accent and read news reports on the Kuwait News website’s Twitter account. The account currently has 1.2 million followers.

    “I’m Fedha, the first presenter in Kuwait who works with artificial intelligence at Kuwait News. What kind of news do you prefer? Let’s hear your opinions,” she said in Arabic

    https://twitter.com/KuwaitNews/status/1644792772212260867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1644792772212260867%7Ctwgr%5E74def1acb1ad81a3678a1b64998625e68c45f989%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fworld%2F2023%2Fapr%2F11%2Fai-generated-news-presenter-debuts-in-kuwait-media

    The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has become increasingly prevalent in a wide range of sectors, and it is anticipated that its impact will continue to expand in the near future.

  • Gold price hits new record high of Rs218,300 per tola as Pakistani rupee crashes

    Gold price hits new record high of Rs218,300 per tola as Pakistani rupee crashes

    The price of gold in Pakistan has surged to an all-time high, surpassing the Rs218,000 mark, as the country’s local currency slumped to a historic low against the US dollar. The All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) has released data showing that the price of gold (24 carats) rose by Rs600 per tola and Rs514 per 10 grammes, settling at Rs218,300 and Rs187,157, respectively.

    The rise in the price of the yellow metal was in line with the movement of the rupee, which fell Rs1.34 or 0.46 per cent to Rs288.43 against the US dollar in the interbank market, and an increase in weekly inflation. Weekly inflation rose 0.92 per cent week-on-week and 44.49 per cent year-on-year during the seven-day period ending on April 6, as the prices of sugar and chicken surged due to Ramadan and likely hoarding.

    Gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation and its value increases as the purchasing power of the dollar declines, as well as due to seasonal demand during the holy month of Ramadan. During the week, investors’ attention shifted towards the precious metal as economic tensions continue to rise amid the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reviewing external financing commitments from friendly countries before it releases bailout funds. According to Geo, the delay in the revival of the programme has had a negative impact on the currency market, which in turn is bolstering demand for gold.

    The APSGJA also mentioned that the price of gold in Pakistan is Rs5,000 per tola “undercost” as compared to the Dubai market, indicating that the Pakistani gold market is currently cheaper than the global market.

    Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market have also surged to historic highs, with an increase of Rs40 per tola and Rs34.30 per 10 grams, settling at Rs2,520 and Rs2,160.5, respectively. In the international market, the price of gold dropped by $1 per ounce, settling at $2,001.

  • Husain Haqqani kaun hain aur Khan kyun unhein PTI govt giraanay ka zimmedaar samajhtay hain?

    Husain Haqqani kaun hain aur Khan kyun unhein PTI govt giraanay ka zimmedaar samajhtay hain?

    Husain Haqqani, a name we have often heard but most recently has been in limelight since Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan blamed him for being a key figure behind the foreign conspiracy to remove him from power as prime minister.

    So the question remains; who is Haqqani, and why is he the recent target of Khan’s blame game?

    Who is Hussain Haqqani?

    Haqqani is Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States of America (USA), serving from 2008 to 2011. He currently serves as Director of South and Central Asia at Hudson Institute.

    Haqqani was a central character in the Memogate controversy wherein, in May 2011, it was claimed that he played a central role in the drafting of a memo of a message from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government which was seeking the Obama administration’s support to reign in the Pakistan military after the Osama bin Laden raid in Abbottabad. The controversy eventually led to Haqqani resigning as ambassador and significantly weakening the PPP government.

    Why does Khan blame Haqqani for his ouster?

    After one year of being ousted from power, Khan blamed Haqqani for conspiring with Gen Bajwa and removing his government.

    Background:

    In January, Khan accused former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa of hiring the services of Haqqani for lobbying in the US while he was army chief. He also said Haqqani launched a campaign against him and had been promoting the former army chief in the US.

    Last year in December, it was reported that a former CIA station manager in Islamabad, Robert Grenier, and Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, Haqqani, were hired to lobby for PTI in Washington. Soon this information changed course and many PTI insiders claimed that these men were lobbying against their own government and played a key role in bringing it down.

    According to media reports PTI officials in the US also claimed that both men — Grenier and Haqqani — were working for a senior figure in the military establishment. Dawn reported that the two men were hired to lobby by a Pakistani government official, Iftikhar Durrani, who had served as a special assistant to then-prime minister Imran Khan.

    Journalist Waqas Ahmed claimed in December 2022 that Haqqani met a top Pakistani official in Dubai months before the PTI government was toppled, but the former ambassador denied the claim. The meeting which Ahmed reported was allegedly with the then COAS Gen Bajwa.

    Backing Ahmed’s claims, PTI’s Senior Vice President Shireen Marzari said that the Haqqani-Bajwa files, now in public, clearly indicated that the whole project of regime change conspiracy was done covertly, and that “Haqqani was hired to undermine the PTI government.”

    What does Haqqani say about Khan’s blame game?

    The former ambassador has finally addressed the allegations on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’. “It is stupid to say that I ended his [Imran Khan] government. I am neither a lobbyist nor have I received any payment in this regard. I have good relations with people in the US,” he said.

    Stating firmly that the US does not need him to evaluate Imran Khan’s image, Haqqani said, “My research is related to the politics in Pakistan.”

    Calling out Khan for having paranoid delusions, Haqqani said that the PTI chief says things without any proof and if he has evidence, he should very much bring it to light rather just blaming people.

    “I don’t take U-turns like Khan sahib,” said Haqqani, adding that a lot of people contact think tanks in the US for research. He added that the role of lobbies, journalists and scholars are different from each other.

    Pointing out that Khan even called him a traitor because of his stance, Hussain Haqqani stressed that the former Premier was removed from power through the votes of 174 members of the assembly and that he has “nothing to do with any of these MNAs”.

    In the last 26 years, Haqqani said Khan created his anti-American image, adding, “I did not stand on a container and swore at anyone, later asking for forgiveness.”

    The former ambassador further said that Gen (retd) Bajwa and his organisation convinced the nation for many years that his opinion is “anti-Pakistan”. 

    “You [Khan] should accept the vote of no-confidence why are you dragging me into it,” asked Haqqani on the show. “I haven’t been to Pakistan for 11 years and if someone came to meet me then they should be questioned,” said Haqqani regarding the meeting with Gen Bajwa, adding that he himself was appearing on a Pakistani news channel after 11 years.