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  • Islamabad Police destroys over 4,000 pressure horns to reduce noise pollution in the capital

    Islamabad Police destroys over 4,000 pressure horns to reduce noise pollution in the capital

    More than 4,000 pressure horns and fancy license plates were destroyed by the Islamabad Capital Police in an attempt to reduce noise pollution and guarantee public safety.

    The destruction process at the Traffic Police Office Faizabad was observed by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Dr Syed Mustafa Tanveer, Superintendent (SP) Traffic Ch Abid Hussain, and other top police officers.

    On the advice of Inspector General Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, actions are being taken to guarantee a secure driving environment and a controlled traffic structure in the capital. The traffic police are working to make the capital noise-free, according to CTO Tanveer.

    To address the smog-causing issues and expedite the conversion of the brick kilns to modern technology, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Saqib Manan has instructed the relevant authorities to take strong action against SOP violators.

    More than Rs21.1 million fine imposed on smoke-emitting vehicles

    During the previous month in the Rawalpindi area, 3,559 smoke-emitting vehicles were issued challan slips, and fines totaling more than Rs2.1 million were imposed on the violators. In addition, an industrial facility that had broken environmental laws had been sealed and fined Rs100,000.

    According to The News, drivers were urged to adopt all necessary precautions when driving in the fog by District Emergency Officer (DEO) Rawalpindi. He recommended the populace stay home during times of dense fog.

    He further advised that the drivers must keep the fog lights on and drive slowly while maintaining a safe following distance during fog.

  • ‘Weeks later the film is still with me’: Rupi Kaur on Joyland

    ‘Weeks later the film is still with me’: Rupi Kaur on Joyland

    After Riz Ahmed and Malala, poet Rupi Kaur has joined in on the rising tide of praise for the Pakistani film Joyland.

    In an Instagram post, Kaur gushed about the brilliance of the Saim Sadiq film, and also congratulated team Joyland for its progress towards the Academy Awards. The full statement is below:

    “JOYLAND. shortlisted for Best International Film at this years Oscars @TheAcademy. When I first watched @joylandmovie I was transfixed by the storytelling and visuals. The script!!! And how delicious the words were. Weeks later the film is still with me ❤️ If chosen, JOYLAND will make Oscar history as the first Pakistani film to ever be nominated.”

    Previously, actor and rapper Riz Ahmed announced that his production house Left Handed Films was officially becoming a part of team Joyland. In his Instagram stories, Ahmed staunchly shared the two reasons why he was prepared to support the film as it progresses to the Oscars.

    ‘You know it’s an important movie when:

    1. the film gets banned
    2. when Malala is one of your producers”

  • ‘Complicated process’, ECP responds to delay in LG polls results and rigging allegations

    Amid questions on delayed results and allegations of rigging, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has commented on the second phase of Local Government (LG) elections in Karachi, Hyderabad.

    The commission explained that compiling the results is, “a complicated process” and said it takes time to prepare the result of one union council.

    In its statement on Monday, the ECP said the results are being transferred to the offices of Returning Officers (RO) from all polling stations across the city.

    The provincial election commissioner said that each RO had to compile the result of at least five UCs, which “is causing a delay in releasing poll results”.

    However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) openly accused the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), provincial administration and the electoral body of wrongdoing, warning that any attempt to “change the results” after voting would lead to a strong reaction.

    Meanwhile, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Karachi President Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said: “We are not getting results from the returning officers despite 18 hours of delay since the conclusion of polling.”

    He strongly condemned the delay and called on the concerned authorities to stop the ROs who are “trying to change the results”.

    He said that a lot of people from the PPP also voted for JI. He further said that his party has won over 100 seats, adding that there is ambiguity on the rest of the seats.

    As of now, it’s being reported that PPP leads with victorious on 46 UCs, Jamat-e-Islami has secured 17, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) 13, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) three, Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (JUI-F) two, while banned organisation Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) and an independent have one won seat each.

    Voting started early on Sunday morning amid a low turnout, however, official results are still not declared as of Monday afternoon. It is pertinent to mention that a day before the polls, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan announced that they are boycotting the local government polls

  • Are Aima Baig and Shahbaz Shigri back together?

    Are Aima Baig and Shahbaz Shigri back together?

    Star-singer Aima Baig took to her Instagram stories to announce that she has called off her engagement with Shahbaz Shigri in September last year. 

    The Balma Baghora crooner shared a lighthearted note on her Instagram story confirming her break-up with long-term boyfriend turned fiancé’ Shigri.

    The Chan Ve diva wrote: “Yes, I will always respect this person for giving me a good time. Sometimes, shit happens and happens for a reason. And to answer all your questions, yes we have parted ways. but we both are doing good and fine so don’t worry.”

    “I wanted to do it in the most respectful way and so I did. People can choose their ways of expressing their feelings, which defines who they are from the inside.”

    “That’s me, telling the truth to anyone wondering if are they or are not together. And the answer is Nope, I and Shahbaz are not together anymore. P.S no more “feeling sorry texts” please! We are doing just fine. Music is life, let’s see where it takes us”, she added.

    Aima Baig and Shahbaz Shigri were in a relationship since 2019. They announced their engagement in July 2021.  After their split, the duo unfollowed each other on social media.

    Latest Update

    Seems like the new year has brought a change in the ex-couple’s equation as they followed each other again on Instagram. This digital move of Shigri and Baig has made their fans extremely happy.

    Recently, the Sajna Door star indulged in a Q&A session on her official Instagram handle. She opened up about her colleagues and revealed her favourites.

  • ‘Must watch list’: Most promising dramas set to release in 2023

    ‘Must watch list’: Most promising dramas set to release in 2023

    Be it daily soaps or serials, Pakistani dramas have an enormous viewership around the globe. In 2022, we witnessed blockbuster gems like Parizaad, Mere Humsafar, Hum Tum, and Pinjra, depicting unconventional stories that kept the audiences hooked to their screens.

    While 2022 was a good year for Pakistani television, 2023 seems to be even better with a good line-up of projects with some fresh concepts and pairings.

    Here’s a list of the year’s most promising serials:

    Tumhare Husn Ke Naam

    All you need to know about Saba Qamar-Imran Abbas starrer 'Tumhare Husn Ke Naam'

    Currently, in its last leg of the shoot, Saba Qamar, Sidra Niazi, and Imran Abbas starrer, THKN has already become the talk of the town, ever since it was announced. The project will touch on themes like jealousy, friendship, and complicated love.

    Kuch Ankahi

    First look, instant love! The teaser of 'Kuch Ankahi' is out - ARY Digital

    Although its first episode aired last week, the drama is purported to be a social comedy with a message. Written by Mohammed Ahmed and directed by Nadeem Baig, it is co-produced by Kashf Foundation and Six Sigma Plus. Kuch Ankahi is about family values, women empowerment, and strong female characters. While the cherry on the top is its hit-leading pair. The drama stars Bilal Abbas Khan, Sajal Aly, Mohammed Ahmed, Irsa Ghazal, Mira Sethi, Adnan Samad, Babar Ali, Vaneeza Ahmed and Qudsia Ali.

    Main Manto Nahi Hoon

    Main Manto Nahi Hoon- Cast Details, Story, and More

    Director Nadeem Baig, superstar Humayun Saeed, and writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar will be reuniting for this project after London Nahi Jaunga. Saeed has roped in Maya Ali as his romantic interest in the play. Contrary to the title, the plot is not based on Manto’s life but will have a symbolic representation of the writer in a contemporary narrative, and you won’t regret setting the bar of your expectations high.

    Chaand Tara

    Saima Noor

    Celebrity spouses, Danish Taimoor and Ayeza Khan are set to star in a Ramadan 2023 serial, Chaand Tara. The series is set to be directed by Danish Nawaz and written by Saima Akram Chaudhry, the maestro of Ramadan serials. While this is Danish’s first Ramadan play, Ayeza has earlier wowed her fans with comic characters in Chupke Chupke and Chaudhry & Sons.

    22 Qadam

    22 Qadam - Teaser 01 - Wahaj Ali - Hareem Farooq - Kinza Razzak - Release Date - Dramaz ETC - YouTube

    This is a project that is being awaited for the longest time, featuring Wahaj Ali as a cricketer, opposite Hareem Farooq, and Kinza Razzak. ’22 Qadam’ is directed by Anjum Shahzad of ‘Pehli Si Mohabbat’.

    Serial Killer

    Serial Killer - Teaser 01 - Saba Qamar - Ahmad Randhawa - Green TV Launch Date - Dramaz ETC - YouTube

    Another Saba Qamar starrer, this one is certainly a unique and promising show, which is evident in the title. Saba plays a cop alongside Daniyal Raheal. Serial Killer is written by Umera Ahmed and will hit our screens soon on ‘Green channel’.

    Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo

    Mahira Khan, Ahad Raza Mir become the face of Global Soccer Ventures

    Ever since Farhat Ishtiaq announced her next novel that is going to have a drama adaptation is JBHSSL, fans and viewers have been speculating a mega blockbuster. Be it Ahad Raza Mir and Mahira Khan’s debut project together or Mohammed Ehteshamuddin’s supposed direction, the project has been in the news for a long.

    Seems like Pakistani television has an exciting lineup of star-studded upcoming dramas that will hopefully set new benchmarks of viewership and success in the near future.

  • Export industry is one of the highest priorities of govt: Ishaq Dar

    Export industry is one of the highest priorities of govt: Ishaq Dar

    Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar on Monday said that the government will make it easier for all exporters to import the raw materials, components, and accessories they need to meet their demands, including five previously zero-rated export-oriented sectors.

    “Export industry is one of the highest priority of our government,” the minister wrote on Twitter.

    “Five (previously) zero-rated export-oriented sectors and all other exporters will be given complete facilitation for import of raw material, parts, and accessories to meet their export requirements,” Dar added.

    The announcement comes as the country battles a dire foreign exchange crisis and industries, notably exporters, struggle to get their Letters of Credit (LC) issued

    At Karachi port, thousands of containers containing raw materials, food items, and medical supplies are stranded due to a shortage of dollars.

    Banks are refusing to grant fresh letters of credit for importers due to a shortage of needed dollars, which is undermining an economy already under pressure from high inflation and weak GDP.

  • Elahi gives names for caretaker Punjab CM

    Elahi gives names for caretaker Punjab CM

    Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Sunday said that three names for the caretaker CM have been agreed upon after the consultation with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

    Elahi revealed the three names – Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera, Naseer Ahmed Khan and Nasir Saeed Khosa- and said that one of the three would be finalised.

    “We are sending these names to the [Punjab] governor and if the opposition thinks broadly, the agreement upon the suggested names seems likely,” tweeted Elahi.

    Punjab Assembly got dissolved after 48 hours after the governor didn’t sign the summary sent by the former.

    Elahi will remain serving as the Punjab CM until the name for the caretaker CM is finalised.

  • PSL-like first women’s league to be held in September

    PSL-like first women’s league to be held in September

    The Women’s League will no longer be a part of the 2019 Pakistan Super League, according to the management committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is chaired by Najam Sethi.

    The first Women’s Super League, which will be conducted as a distinct event from the PSL, has been scheduled for September this year by the PCB.
    There will be separate bids for each of the five franchise teams in the women’s league.

    World-class female cricketers have already expressed interest in taking part in the PCBs tournament.

    Earlier, In October Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced the launch of a women’s T20 league modelled along the lines of Pakistan Super League (PSL). The inaugural edition was expected to run alongside PSL 2023.

  • Russian delegation will visit Pakistan tomorrow to discuss long-term oil and gas deal

    Russian delegation will visit Pakistan tomorrow to discuss long-term oil and gas deal

    The much-touted $3 billion Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline (PSGP) project, as well as a long-term trade agreement for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), will be the topics of bilateral negotiations between Pakistan and a Russian delegation that will arrive tomorrow.

    The team, which consists of 80 personnel, will land in Pakistan on Tuesday for three days of bilateral discussions through the Inter-Governmental Commission forum (IGC).

    For the IGC negotiations, the Pakistani delegation will be led by Federal Minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Both states must first negotiate the IGA (inter-governmental agreement), which was finalised and signed in the case of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project (PSGP), formerly known as the North-South Gas pipeline project, in order to import Russian oil and LNG on a GtG basis.

    According to The News, the shareholding and facilitation agreement for PSGP was still in draught form on February 24, 2022, when former prime minister Imran Khan travelled to Moscow. Both parties wanted to sign the PSGP agreement during the Imran and Putin meeting, but it was not able to be done since the experts from both sides could not agree on several terms of the shareholding agreement.

    Currently, the G7 nations have capped the price of Russian crude oil at $60 per barrel and forbade the use of Russian ships to carry oil. In exchange, Moscow promised to stop selling oil to nations who agree to a Western price restriction on its petroleum.

    The Pakistani side will talk about the shipment costs, the premium by the shipping trader, the insurance coverage, and the payment options.

    Agribusiness, energy, customs, industry, education, research and technology, information and communication technologies, communication, roads and postal service, railroads, and finance are all included in the IGC’s agenda as areas for cooperation in trade and investments. Additionally, Pakistan’s debt to Russia will be settled and discussed.

    The potential for cooperation in the areas of electric power, hydropower, renewable energy sources, and oil and petrol production will also be discussed by the two sides.

    In their response, the Pakistani team proposed to change the model of the PSGP project. The Russian side said that the model of the project under GtG (government-to-government) arrangement had already been settled, save for some clauses of the shareholding agreement, which would soon be finalized.

  • Earthquake of magnitude 6.0 strikes Indonesia’s Sumatra

    Earthquake of magnitude 6.0 strikes Indonesia’s Sumatra

    A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island early Monday, the US Geological Survey has reported.

    The seismic activity occurred around 6:30 am local time (2330 GMT). There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. In addition, no tsunami alert was issued.

    “The earthquake caused people to panic. It was felt between 3-10 seconds in four districts in Aceh and North Sumatra province,” Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the BNPB disaster mitigation agency, said in a statement.

    Earlier on 10 January, a powerful deep-sea earthquake of 7.6 magnitude had damaged village buildings in a lightly populated island chain in eastern Indonesia and was widely felt in northern Australia.