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  • Man wins lottery $30 million, hides it from his wife and family

    Man wins lottery $30 million, hides it from his wife and family

    A man in southern China is keeping his $29.9 million lottery jackpot win a secret from his wife and child, saying he was worried that the winnings might make them “lazy.”

    According to the Nanning Evening News, the man, identified only as Mr. Li, went alone to the lottery office in Nanning, in the southern province of Guangxi, to claim his reward. In pictures showing him accepting the cheque, he can be seen dressed in a bright yellow costume that completely covers his face and head.

    “I didn’t tell my wife and child for fear that they would be too complacent and would not work or work hard in the future,” the man told the newspaper last week.

    “I slept in a hotel because I was afraid to go out and lose the lottery ticket,” he said.

    The central government of China holds lotteries to collect funds for social welfare and athletics. In Guangxi, players choose one number on a blue ball and six numbers on red balls. The player claimed that the following numbers: 2, 15, 19, 26, 27, 29, and 2 were his winning combinations.

  • Pakistan to get high speed train technology from China

    Pakistan to get high speed train technology from China

    In accordance with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pledge to assist cash-strapped Pakistan in its financial position, Pakistan and China have decided to begin a high-speed train project for roughly $9.85 billion.

    According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Main Line-1 is “a project of strategic importance” and the agreement was made during a meeting in Beijing between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Xi.

    The project entails modernising a 1,163-mile colonial-era track that runs from Karachi to Peshawar in order to accommodate high-speed trains, according to Bloomberg.

    The project, which has been in consideration for years, was officially approved by Pakistan earlier this week without disclosing the source of finance or offering any technical information.

    Officials in Pakistan anticipated receiving loans from China for the upgrading.

    The US has long criticised China for employing what it refers to as “debt diplomacy” to increase the dependence of developing countries on Beijing. Despite this, China postponed an earlier bailout for Pakistan as its debt skyrocketed, and it has been reducing loans to Africa as its economy weakens.

    According to a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) published in September, state-owned commercial banks in China are owed nearly 30 per cent of Pakistan’s foreign debt.

    Xi and PM Shehbaz decided to finalise the plans for a Karachi inner-city train route during their meeting. The Chinese president also announced that his country would give Pakistan 500 million yuan ($68.7 million) to aid with reconstruction after flooding over the summer that caused more than 500,000 people to lose their homes.

    The People’s Bank of China said in a statement that the central banks of both nations had signed an agreement of cooperation on a yuan clearing in Pakistan on Wednesday without providing many other specifics.

  • ‘Should I attempt suicide after divorce?’: Kiran Ashfaque hits out at trolls after parting ways with Imran Ashraf

    ‘Should I attempt suicide after divorce?’: Kiran Ashfaque hits out at trolls after parting ways with Imran Ashraf

    Actor Imran Ashraf recently announced his divorce from designer Kiran Ashfaque after four years of marriage.

    Taking it to his Instagram, Imran wrote: “With a heavy heart, we announce that we have mutually and respectfully decided to part ways.”

    Imran Ashraf With Beautiful Wife, Dil Mom Ka Diya Latest Episode 9 - 17 - YouTube

    However ever since the news broke out, netizens are trolling Kiran for leading a normal life.

    In response to criticism, she made it obvious that she and Imran had been apart for some time. She even went to the premiere of his film to offer her support, as she always does for his profession.

    Finally, Kiran has had enough and retaliated against everyone who had been condemning the way she was living.

    Kiran stated that she is tired of the criticism she was receiving from everyone, especially women, and questioned what they wanted her to do. Suicide?

  • Social media hater? You could go to prison for seven years

    Social media hater? You could go to prison for seven years

    The federal cabinet has approved an amendment seeking seven-year imprisonment for those who spread hateful content on social media.

    Under the amendment, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been authorised to take action against such people. The final approval of the amendment will be taken by Parliament.

    However, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah decided to consult journalists and other stakeholders on the amendment. The minister said that if the amendment leads to restrictions on people’s freedom of expression, then the government will withdraw the bill

    The interior minister also stressed that if the bill is against the freedom of expression then “we won’t pass it”.

    Sanaullah said people’s private lives are being affected due to social media which is a “serious matter”.

    He further added that the issue is an important one, therefore, the government is hoping that the amendments will not create hurdles in the way of people’s right to freedom of expression.

    Earlier this year, during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tenure, President Arif Alvi approved an ordinance of a similar nature proposing amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, (PECA) 2016. It proposed a five-year sentence for criticising state institutions, including the Pakistan Army and judiciary on electronic media

    At the time, Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared the ordinance “unconstitutional” and directed the federal government to probe abuse of the law and submit a report. The law also faced backlash from the media fraternity.

  • Supreme Court seeks reply from Imran on violation of May 25 order

    Supreme Court seeks reply from Imran on violation of May 25 order

    The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday sought a detailed reply from Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the violation of the apex court’s May 25 order, which restricted the party’s Azadi March from entering D-Chowk in Islamabad.

    A five-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice (CJ) Umar Ata Bandial, heard the contempt of court petition filed by the government against the PTI chief over his violation of previous orders. The government argued that the former ruling party went against SC’s order and entered D-chowk.

    In May, the top court had issued clear instructions to hold its Azadi March protest near Peshawar Mor between the H-9 and G-9 areas of Islamabad. However, Imran Khan and his protestors made their way to D-Chowk, prompting the government to call in the Pakistan Army for the security of the capital’s Red Zone.

    During the hearing, the CJ said, “We are giving another chance to Imran for an explanation”, adding that the court had been proceeding with “caution” and “patience” in this case.

    “According to the material available with the court, a notice should be issued to Imran Khan. We are still giving him a chance to explain,” he said.

    The bench further expressed disappointment to the two PTI lawyers present in the court, Babar Awan and Chaudhary Faisal Hussain, over violating the court’s trust in the May 25 order.

    “When our trust is breached then it is very wrong,” said Justice Bandial and he noted that it seemed that the apex court was misled through the two counsels.

    Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan also noted that the SC order was misused. The hearing of the case was then adjourned until next week.

    Earlier, in a reply to the SC over the contempt of court plea, Khan had maintained that he was unaware of any statement or undertaking having been submitted to the court on behalf of the “senior leadership” of the party ahead of its May 25 long march.

    In a video shared by journalist Talat Hussain, Imran Khan, standing on top of his container on May 25, can be heard directing his supporters to reach D-chowk. He told the public that Supreme Court has said that would be no hurdles.

  • Sarah murder case: Shah Nawaz’s mother granted bail

    Sarah murder case: Shah Nawaz’s mother granted bail

    Samina Shah, the mother of the key defendant in the Sarah Inam murder case, was granted bail by an Islamabad sessions court on Wednesday.

    After hearing the accused’s request for bail, judge Sheikh Sohail issued the release order.

    The Islamabad police detained her on October 19 for allegedly aiding Shahnawaz in the murder. After she was unable to substantiate claims against herself in the murder case, her bail request was repeatedly rejected.

    Shah was detained by the police after Additional Sessions Judge Sohail Sheikh rejected her request for release.

    Sarah’s murder rocked Islamabad in September, as news of the crime spread across social media and news networks.
    It has been reported that after murdering her with a blow to her head with a dumbbell, Shahnawaz dumped her body in a bathtub.

  • Pakistani rupee drops by 0.35% to close at Rs221.43 versus dollar

    Pakistani rupee drops by 0.35% to close at Rs221.43 versus dollar

    As investors await the US Federal Reserve’s decision on the policy rate, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) depreciated by 0.35 per cent against the greenback on Wednesday.

    According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the local unit appreciated by Rs0.78 and ended the day at Rs221.43.

    The Pakistani rupee enjoyed gains against the US dollar on Tuesday, and it ended the day at Rs220.65 after rising by Rs0.24 (or 0.11 per cent) in the interbank market.

    Gains were recorded when market confidence improved as a result of discussions held by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar with senior bank and exchange company executives.

    However, in a significant development, according to the most recent data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Tuesday, consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation increased to 26.6 per cent on an annual basis in October 2022 as opposed to an increase of 23.2 per cent in the previous month and 9.2 per cent in October 2021.

    Globally, the US dollar slipped on Wednesday as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision amid speculation it might indicate a slowdown in future rate hikes. The central bank will soon release its policy statement with investors widely expecting a 75 basis points (bps) rate hike, the fourth such increase in a row.

    The dollar index – which gauges the greenback against a basket of six counterparts that includes the yen, euro and sterling – eased 0.2 per cent to 111.28, but was not far below Tuesday’s high of 111.78, the strongest level since October 25. The index has fluctuated widely around the 112 level since its retreat from a two-decade high of 114.78 at the end of September.

    Oil prices, a crucial gauge of currency parity, increased on Wednesday after data from the sector revealed a surprising decline in US oil supplies, indicating that demand is still strong despite sharp interest rate increases that are slowing down global development.

  • China to continue supporting Pakistan’s financial situation

    China to continue supporting Pakistan’s financial situation

    President Xi Jinping has said on Wednesday that China will continue to support Pakistan in stabilising its financial situation, the country’s state media has reported.

    The report also said that China and Pakistan should move forward more effectively with the construction of their economic corridor, as well as accelerate the construction of infrastructure for the Gwadar Sea Port.

    The statement was also reported by Reuters after Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping which focused on increasing multilateral cooperation between both countries especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

    The bilateral consensus between the two leaders was reached as PM Shehbaz called on Xi at the People’s Great Hall of China.

    During the meeting, the Chinese president and PM Shehbaz discussed “broad-based cooperation in economy and investment and exchanged views on regional and global developments”.

    Xi said that the countries should work together to create suitable conditions for the early implementation of the Mainline-1 railway upgrading project and the Karachi Circular Railway project.

    China welcomes Pakistan to expand high-quality agricultural exports to the country, and is willing to deepen cooperation in areas including the digital economy, e-commerce, photovoltaic and other new energy sources, Xi said.

    China will also export technology for a 160 km/h high-speed railway train to Pakistan, state broadcaster CCTV said.

    Separately, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said it has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the National Bank of Pakistan recently for the establishment of RMB clearing arrangement in Pakistan, in a bid to facilitate the use of RMB for cross-border transactions by enterprises and financial institutions in both countries.

    The prime minister also met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang wherein the two sides agreed to expand CPEC besides ensuring the early completion of its already initiated projects.

    PM Shehbaz is on a two-day official visit with a high-level delegation at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang. The meeting was primarily aimed at revitalising the CPEC project.

  • Dosti khatam? Khan reveals reasons for having rift with Gen Bajwa

    Dosti khatam? Khan reveals reasons for having rift with Gen Bajwa

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has disclosed the reasons as to why he is no longer on the same page with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, claiming that the head of the armed forces did not consider corruption a bad thing.

    Talking about why there is a plausible rift between the army chief and Khan and why he has started talking against him, Khan said, “This should be asked from Gen Bajwa. He didn’t consider corruption bad as I did. He was not ready to do accountability.”

    “For the past 26 years, I have been saying that without the rule of law, a nation cannot progress. This was not his ‘thing’. We had other conflicts as well. He wanted to make Aleem Khan Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab in place of Usman Buzdar,” revealed Khan.

    PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry hit back at criticism that the party’s long march was moving slowly, saying it would proceed at its own pace, adding “We will also keep changing our plan to reach Islamabad to baffle the government.”

    Replying to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice president Maryam Nawaz and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah observations that the march is proceeding slowly, Fawad said, “I want to tell them [that] we will move according to our own pace, not according to yours.”

    He said that the party could give dates for reaching Rawalpindi and Islamabad one day and change them the next. “You will have to do the guesswork daily.”

    A day prior to this Imran Khan had said in an interview, “Let them impose martial law.” On the fourth day of his long march, his statement was addressed to the establishment in reply to a question asked by journalist Imran Riaz Khan.

    “Impose martial law. If they want to impose, It doesn’t affect me,” said Khan.

    Khan further added that the current political scenario in the country was worst than former President and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Pervez Musharraf’s martial law. Khan added that when PTI leaders Azam Swati and Shahbaz Gill were tortured they were told that, “Imran would face the same.”

  • ‘Alarming’: Noor Bukhari disappointed with Pakistanis celebrating Halloween

    ‘Alarming’: Noor Bukhari disappointed with Pakistanis celebrating Halloween

    Veteran actress Noor Bukhari has expressed her concerns about the growing trend of Halloween celebrations in Pakistan. The former host took to social media to share her views about Halloween and said “Jitna Pakistanio ny Halloween celebrate kiya hai woh kafi alarming hai.“

    Beautiful Pictures of Pakistani Celebrities Celebrating Halloween Party - Showbiz Pakistan

    Noor further said, “This will become a part of our culture”.

    Last year Noor condemned netizens for trolling Saba Qamar over her birthday outfit. Following the outrage, someone photoshopped a hijab and tights onto her picture which also went viral on the internet.

    However, Noor Bukhari did not like the photoshopped image and expressed her disappointment over it.

    Sharing the picture on Instagram, Bukhari said: “Shouldn’t make fun of Saba or hijabis like this please.”