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  • Singer Annie Khalid slammed by Twitter for calling Malala ‘puppet of the West’

    Singer Annie Khalid, an icon of our childhood music scene, had given Pakistani audiences such hits as ‘Mahiya’ or ‘Princess’ but looks like not everything that is old is gold. Because now Khalid is getting slammed by social media users for making a controversial statement about education activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.

    In reply to a random post which had asked users to share an opinion they found controversial, Khalid thought she should provide an opinion that is not only outrageous but also insensitive.

    “That Malala is a puppet of the west,” the singer tweeted.

    Twitter users were horrified, asking what exactly had Malala done to prompt such bullying from Khalid? Malala has not made any such comments about Imran Khan, aside from calling him out for his racist views on Pathans, so why solely target her for living in the West because of the threats on her life?

    Twitter users demanded that Khalid apologize, shedding light on the fact that Malala had made more efforts to speak up on the rights of Pakistani women than Khalid had ever done.

    “Don’t embarrass your self Taliban Apologist she resist Taliban brutality she talks about girl’s education you are a nobody like your leader who is taliban apologist who bought Taliban back In KPK shame on you mirasi”

    Some actually found it hilarious and ironic that Khalid is going after Yousafzai for living in the UK… when she actually lives in the UK as well.

    Some were even compared the achievements Malala continues to make while Khalid can’t say the same

    “Girl has one good song in her kitty and audacity check karo buss”

    https://twitter.com/yourdoriangray/status/1637708751439380483?s=20

    We can’t say anything else other than how deeply embarrassing it is to witness a woman flinging accusations on another woman, just because of difference of political beliefs. We sincerely hope that Pakistani celebrities would learn some decorum and stop dissing other women by distorting facts and through sheer bullying.

  • NAB chief to draw Rs1.7 million salary, gets govt residence, two cars

    NAB chief to draw Rs1.7 million salary, gets govt residence, two cars

    The federal cabinet has approved the salary package, perquisites and benefits of Lt. General (R) Nazir Ahmad Butt as Chairman, National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

    According to news reports, after obtaining the cabinet’s approval, Chairman NAB will get Rs17 lacs monthly as a salary, a government residence and two vehicles. At the same time, he will also get a plot of two kanals in the federal capital. NAB chairman will further get 2000 units of electricity per month and 600 litres of petrol each month.

    The Ministry of Law and Justice, after obtaining approval and authorisation from the Minister of Law and Justice, solicited the approval of the federal cabinet through the circulation of the summary for determination of terms and conditions of the Chairman NAB as admissible to a judge of a Supreme Court of Pakistan.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Lt. General (R) Nazir Ahmad was appointed as Chairman NAB by Ministry of Law and Justice on March 6 and had assumed charge on the same day.

  • Shaheen Afridi backs Shahid Afridi on clarification on fake tweet about Imran Khan

    Shaheen Afridi backs Shahid Afridi on clarification on fake tweet about Imran Khan

    Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has denied that a tweet associated with him, voicing his opinion on ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s possible arrest is genuine, releasing a video of his clarification.

    The superstar former all-rounder on Sunday issued a statement in which he categorically denied saying anything about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and said the quote that is going viral on social media is fake.

    Shahid Afridi was making fun of his former teammate Shoiab Akhtar’s injury in a video for the former fast bowler’s YouTube channel. “Plaster hee nahi utar raha iska”, Afridi supposedly said in jest to his former colleague.

    People mistakenly understood the comments to be directed at Imran Khan, who’s opponents have questioned why his leg injury plaster is not coming off, criticizing Shahid Afridi on social media.

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1637378958684553216?s=20

    “I am seeing since yesterday on social media that a statement on Imran Khan, attributed to me, is going viral. This is very disappointing; whoever is doing this is… it is just dirty politics,” Afridi said in the video.

    Stating that he does not want to get into politics, Afridi emphasized that if he had to say something, he would have said it myself.

    “You can check my social media accounts or any other place where I have spoken anything about Imran Khan. Please don’t make me a part of this dirty politics. I only believe in the people of Pakistan and want to work towards serving them. Thank you,” Afridi concluded.

    After his video clarification PSL 8 champion and the backbone of Pakistan’s pace attack, Shaheen Shah Afridi also tweeted to support his father-in-law.

    The speedster wrote, “I request you all to only think about Pakistan. We should not indulge ourselves into any act which divides us further. Hum Sab ko apni apni fields me positive reh ker Pakistan ka haq Ada kerna hoga. Pakistan Noor hai or Allah pak is Noor Ki Hamesha hifazat farmayain ge, Ameen.”

  • Pakistan’s nuclear program not linked to loan negotiations, says IMF representative

    Pakistan’s nuclear program not linked to loan negotiations, says IMF representative

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has refuted allegations that it imposed any conditions on the revival of a loan program that had been suspended for several months despite ongoing discussions between the two parties.

    Pakistan has been in discussions with the IMF since early February to negotiate the terms of the deal, which includes the adoption of policies aimed at addressing its fiscal deficit ahead of the annual budget in June. The funds are part of a $6.5 billion bailout package that the IMF approved in 2019, and which experts believe is critical for Pakistan to avoid defaulting on its external debt obligations.

    The delay in reaching a staff-level agreement with the IMF had prompted veteran politicians, Senator Raza Rabbani and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, to express concerns about whether the delay was due to the country’s strategic assets, including its nuclear and missile programs. They have called on the government to clarify this issue.

    In response, IMF resident representative in Islamabad, Esther Perez Ruiz, released a statement on Sunday denying any involvement in Pakistan’s nuclear program, stating that there was “absolutely no truth” to the rumors that program discussions with the authorities may have covered the issue.

    Ruiz further clarified that the discussions had focused exclusively on economic policies aimed at resolving Pakistan’s economic and balance of payments problems, in line with the Fund’s mandate for promoting macroeconomic and financial stability.

  • Govt announces Rs50 per litre petrol subsidy for low-income individuals

    Govt announces Rs50 per litre petrol subsidy for low-income individuals

    The government has announced a relief package for low-income individuals in the form of a petroleum subsidy worth Rs50 per litre. This announcement was made during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday.

    The Prime Minister directed that consumers using small vehicles such as motorcycles, rickshaws, and 800-CC vehicles will be included in the subsidy scheme. He also instructed relevant authorities to finalise the scheme as soon as possible to ensure its effective implementation.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that this subsidy will provide much-needed relief to low-income individuals, as they are the primary users of small vehicles. Despite the severe economic difficulties faced by the country, the government is committed to assisting the poor in every way possible.

    During the meeting, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik briefed participants on the strategy for implementing the subsidy to low-income individuals.

  • The State VS. Imran Khan

    The State VS. Imran Khan

    For almost an entire week, we have witnessed violent clashes between the police and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers in Punjab’s capital, Lahore. And on Saturday, the same visuals could be seen in both Lahore and the country’s federal capital, Islamabad. The state vs PTI Chairman Imran Khan paints a sorry picture for both politics and the writ of the state. It is as if no one cares about the consequences these clashes will lead to. The visuals on our television screens and on social media can lead one to think that no one is bothered about civility, be it the police or Khan loyalists. The past few days, we have seen lawlessness, desperation and disarray.

    It could all have been avoided had Imran Khan presented himself before the court in the Toshakhana case on March 13. He had been summoned numerous times, but Khan refused to show up. After his non-bailable arrest warrants were issued by the court, the police acted on it and tried to arrest Khan. However, Khan refused to budge. Eventually, there was only chaos and mayhem. There was drama, disruption and disorder yet neither the state nor Khan and his party took a step back. We saw petrol bombs thrown at the police by PTI workers, tear gas and heavy shelling by the police. Yesterday, Khan’s non-bailable arrest warrants were finally cancelled by the court when he went to Islamabad. Though he could not go inside the court due to the clashes in the judicial complex between the PTI workers and the Islamabad Police, the court still accepted his ‘appearance’ while he was inside his car.

    On the other hand, when Khan was on his way to Islamabad, the police in Lahore went to his Zaman Park residence to conduct a search operation. From bulldozing walls to throwing paintings here and there, the police claims to have allegedly recovered weapons and petrol bombs from Zaman Park. PTI will move the court for contempt proceedings against the police for alleged violence against PTI workers, Khan’s staff and for violating the sanctity of Khan’s home. Both the use of force by the police and the way that Khan resisted his arrest through violence have raised several questions.

    What could have been done to avoid all the unrest that Lahore had to bear? Khan should have followed the rule of law and appeared before the court on March 13. The state’s response when its writ was challenged was shelling, rubber bullets, tear gas and breaking the gate of Khan’s residence at Zaman Park. What we have seen is that when titans collide, everything gets destroyed and no one really wins. Both ends lose and there is nothing to celebrate. We hope that after this episode, there will not be a repeat of what we saw last week. We hope that party workers and state institutions show patience, civil ways to support their leaders and not create law and order situation. We hope to see less political chaos and more stability in the coming days.

  • After fights, chaos in Islamabad, Police book Imran and others on terror charges

    After fights, chaos in Islamabad, Police book Imran and others on terror charges

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and party senior leadership have been booked under terrorism charges for allegedly injuring Islamabad police officials and creating chaos outside the Federal Judicial Complex where Khan arrived to present himself before the court in the Toshakhana case.

    Ramna Police Station House Officer (SHO) registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Islamabad Counter Terrorism Department against Imran and other PTI leaders.

    It named PTI Secretary General Asad Umar, former deputy speaker Asad Qaiser, leaders Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed, Shibli Faraz and others.

    SHO Ahmed claimed that PTI workers were armed with stones which they threw at a checkpost. They also burnt down barriers and tents at the checkpost.

    The FIR added that another group of PTI leaders set fire to 16 government and police vehicles and four motorcycles.

    In a tweet posted early Sunday morning, the Islamabad Police said: “Fifty-two policemen were injured from incited workers pelting stones at the officials of Islamabad Capital Police and other assisting forces at the appearance of PTI Chairman Imran Khan at the Judicial Complex.”

    It added that 12 vehicles of the Islamabad police and three belonging to the Punjab police and Frontier Constabulary were damaged, among which four of the Islamabad police’s were “completely burned”.

  • PSL fever over but game on hai; Get ready for Pakistan Vs Afghanistan

    PSL fever over but game on hai; Get ready for Pakistan Vs Afghanistan

    On Saturday night Lahore Qalandars held their nerves in a thriller to lift the PSL 8 trophy and become the first team of Pakistan Super League (PSL) to defend their title. A nail biting finish saw
    Multan Sultans almost snatching away the dreams of Lahore Qalandars fans.

    Qalandars won by just 1 run, in a match that swung with every ball bowled, capping a memorable PSL season. What’s next for cricketing fans? Well, game on hai. Get ready for Pakistan Vs Afghanistan T20 series.

    The three-match T20I series will be played in Sharjah, starting March 24. Pakistan will be led by the young all-rounder Shadab Khan after regular captain Babar Azam along with several big names like Muhammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have decided to take rest and sit out the series.

    Pakistan have named a new-look squad for the Afghanistan T20Is. Several big names have been rested including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Performances in the PSL has mattered in selection with Saim Ayub and Ihsanullah being given maiden call-ups while Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf have been recalled.

    “The Afghanistan series is the training ground to test our youngsters,” Najam Sethi, the PCB chief, said in a press interaction on March 13. “I am not worried about winning or losing to Afghanistan – if we find few talented youngsters, it will serve the purpose. The series is largely about blooding our new talent and developing them.”

    Top order
    Pakistan have four opening options to choose from – Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Abdullah Shafique. Among them, Haris and Ayub were the most impressive in the PSL, with both scoring 180-plus runs at averages above 30 and strike rates above 180 as openers. Masood meanwhile scored 236 runs at an average of 26.22 and a strike rate of 124.87.

    Masood has been part of Pakistan’s T20 setup for a while now and has been playing the anchor role at No.3. With Babar and Rizwan not there, they would ideally want him to continue in his role and have Ayub and Haris open the innings. Shafique might have to wait his turn to get in the XI.

    Middle-order
    Iftikhar Ahmed should continue at his usual No.4 position, with Azam Khan slotting in as the wicketkeeper at No.5. Khan scored 282 runs in the PSL this year at a strike rate of 161.14, and would be looking to make an impact on his T20I comeback.

    All-rounders
    Shadab Khan will bat at No.6 and lead the spin attack. For No.7 and No.8, Pakistan will have three options to choose from – the incumbent Mohammad Nawaz, and two players making their comeback, Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf.

    While both Nawaz and Imad are similar commodities, bowling left-arm orthodox and batting left-handed, the generally low and slow Sharjah surface might force the Pakistan think-tank to pick both, with Ashraf sitting out. On the other hand, if they feel like the conditions on offer won’t be conducive to spin bowling, Ashraf will pip Imad with Nawaz retaining his spot.

    Bowlers
    For the last three slots, Pakistan have four pace bowlers to choose from – Ihsanullah, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, and Zaman Khan. Naseem and Wasim pick themselves as the regulars, while the young sensation Ihsanullah will in all probability make his international debut ahead of Zaman Khan, following his breakthrough PSL season.

    Pakistan likely XI for T20Is
    Mohammad Haris, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Ihsanullah

  • Gold price increases to Rs208,300 per tola as investors adopt cautious approach amid uncertainties

    Gold price increases to Rs208,300 per tola as investors adopt cautious approach amid uncertainties

    The price of gold in Pakistan soared by 2 per cent on Saturday, according to data from the All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association. The political unrest in the country has left investors uncertain about the economy, prompting them to seek safe-haven assets such as gold.

    The price of gold (24 carats) increased by Rs4,100 per tola and Rs3,516 per 10 grammes, reaching Rs208,300 and Rs178,584, respectively. In the week ending March 18, gold gained Rs9,600 per tola, or 4.8 per cent, as it rose during all six trading sessions, despite the little appreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar.

    The precious metal is expected to remain attractive to investors as they adopt a cautious approach.

    The price of silver also rose by Rs100 per tola and Rs85.73 per 10 grammes to settle at Rs2,250 per tola and Rs1,929 per 10 grammes, respectively. Meanwhile, in the international market, gold prices surged by over 2 per cent due to banking crises shaking global markets, putting bullion on track for its biggest weekly rise in three years. The price per ounce settled at $1,989 after an increase of $53. This rise in gold prices was also driven by bets for a less aggressive Federal Reserve in its fight against inflation.

    Gold is currently Rs11,500 per tola “undercost” in Pakistan compared to the Dubai market, making it cheaper for investors to buy. According to experts, gold is surging on fears that more bad banking news could appear over the weekend and hopes that the FED will pause its rate hikes next week.

    With political and economic uncertainties looming in Pakistan, gold is likely to shine as investors seek a low-risk profile.

  • Trump says he will be arrested on Tuesday, urges supporters to protest on his behalf

    Trump says he will be arrested on Tuesday, urges supporters to protest on his behalf

    Former US President Donald J. Trump, who is facing possible indictment by a Manhattan grand jury, declared on his social media site that he would be arrested on Tuesday and called on his supporters to protest on his behalf.

    The post was made on his site, Truth Social, on Saturday, and read, “THE FAR & AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE AND FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK. PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!”

    However, two hours later, a spokesman issued a statement clarifying that Mr. Trump had not written his post with direct knowledge of the timing of any arrest. A lawyer for Trump, Susan R. Necheles, claimed that the post was based on news reports, and accused the Manhattan district attorney’s office of conducting a “political prosecution.”

    Prosecutors working for the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, have signaled that an indictment of Trump could be imminent. Still, they have not informed Trump’s lawyers when the charges would be sought or when an arrest would be made. People with knowledge of the matter said that at least one more witness is expected to testify in front of the grand jury, which could delay an indictment.

    Trump’s post urging his supporters to protest and reclaim the nation has raised concerns about a possible repeat of the violence that occurred on January 6, 2021, when supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Investigators later determined that far-right extremist groups, as well as ordinary Trump supporters, had read Trump’s tweets as a clear-cut invitation to the event.