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  • Kaptaan smashes Noon at Shehbaz Speed

    Kaptaan smashes Noon at Shehbaz Speed

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) swept the Punjab by-elections held on July 17 by bagging a total of 15 out of 20 Punjab Asse­mbly seats while the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) only managed to win four seats. An independent candidate won one seat. The unexpected and sweeping victory of PTI in the all-important Punjab by-polls is set to influence the political as well as economic future of the country. The outcome of the by-elections has not just sealed the fate of Hamza Shehbaz’s government in Punjab but also sent alarm bells ringing for Shehbaz Sharif’s federal government.

    The million dollar question is, what happened in Punjab that the kaptaan was able to pull this off in the heart of PML-N? PTI Chairman Imran Khan led a vigorous campaign against those who had ditched the party during the first poll for the chief minister on April 16 and voted for Hamza. Even the PML-N’s voters did not vote for the ‘lotas’ or turncoats. Khan continuously targeted the ‘neutrals’ for not siding with him in foiling the so-called ‘conspiracy’ the PML-N, PPP, and other parties had allegedly hatched “with the help of the United States” to oust him from power. That his foreign conspiracy mantra sold like hot cakes shows that Pakistanis love conspiracy theories.

    The Punjab by-elections have brought to the limelight further questions: what is next for the PML-N? The ruling PML-N really needs to ‘introspect’ its shortcomings and need to go back to the drawing board and check every possible situation that led the party to its failure in Punjab. Was the vote of no-confidence the right move? Was the PML-N really thinking that a father-son duo as prime minister and the chief minister can turn out to be successful? At present, the most important question is, when is Nawaz Sharif coming back? The party has faced a lot of damage in his absence. Within the PML-N, a lot of people are of the view that Hamza should accept defeat and immediately resign as chief minister, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif should call the next general elections as soon as possible. What the PML-N will do next can shape the future of Pakistan. Will Shehbaz Sharif announce the general elections or stick to power? Will a caretaker government be formed that can also take care of the economy for three months given how crucial the IMF deal is?

    Whatever happens, Pakistan is in need of massive reforms. With the pertaining economic crisis and inflation, major political, as well as economic stability, is required. The country needs stability more than ever.

  • Peshawar: 80,341 motorcyclists fined for not wearing helmets

    Peshawar: 80,341 motorcyclists fined for not wearing helmets

    In Peshawar, the City Traffic Police fined 297,913 people for breaking various traffic rules so far this year, and they have collected roughly Rs700,000 in fines from them.

    According to information provided on Sunday by City Traffic Police officers, 80,341 motorcycle riders received fines for not wearing helmets, 29,945 people for parking in no parking areas, 32,298 people for breaking lane discipline, 12,222 people for breaking traffic signals, and 9,934 drivers for breaking one-way streets.

    Furthermore, 7,888 drivers received fines for driving a vehicle without a valid license, 1,131 for driving without a permit, 6,327 for using tinted glasses, 814 for using a cell phone while driving, and 1,080 for underage driving.

    In addition to 4,379 shop owners for encroachments, the traffic police also fined 4,094 drivers for overloading, 271 for riding one-wheeled on bikes, 1,296 for not using seatbelts, and 6,839 for refusing to show a driving license when asked by the police.

    The City Traffic Police received 2,457 calls on its helpline about various issues during the first half of the year 2022. Out of them, 2,289 complaints were settled, while 168 calls pertained to various traffic system reform proposals.

  • ‘Coalition government lost support of the people’: Politicians react to PTI’s win in Punjab by-polls

    ‘Coalition government lost support of the people’: Politicians react to PTI’s win in Punjab by-polls

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that the by-elections have made it clear that the coalition government has lost the support of the people.

    Khokhar was of the opinion that instead of forming the government, elections should have been held immediately. He also said that the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should have been done by a government with a fresh mandate.

    “Difficult decisions should be made by a government that has a mandate of five years, it is not possible that we have sky-rocketing inflation and people shower us with flowers,” said Khokhar.

    “Political parties are still stuck in the 90s, the by-elections made it clear that the coalition government has lost the support of the people, political stability will be further eroded, and governance will become difficult. The country and economy need stabilisation, which is possible only through general elections,” said Khokhar.

    If they have won seats through people’s mandate, CM should step down: Malik Ahmad

    “In all fairness, if they have won seats through the people’s mandate, then the CM [Hamza Shehbaz] should step down and let them form a government,” said Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan to The News.

    “Once the people have spoken, they are the sovereign and if they have spoken in favour of Imran’s narrative for general elections, then they have spoken. Then let there be a fresh mandate. Otherwise, every day there will be a new crisis,” added Malik Ahmad.

    Imran Khan to decide when Shehbaz Sharif will be removed: Fawad Chaudhry

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry said that Imran Khan would decide when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be removed.

    Speaking to Geo News, Fawad Chaudhry said that all the political parties need to end the ongoing political crisis and show maturity.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) swept the Punjab by-elections by bagging a total of 15 out of 20 Punjab Asse­mbly seats while the ruling PML-N only managed to win four seats. An independent candidate won one seat.

  • 90-year-old Indian woman visiting her old home in Pakistan wants to visit Murree and Islamabad

    90-year-old Indian woman visiting her old home in Pakistan wants to visit Murree and Islamabad

    A 90-year-old Indian woman who is visiting her family home in Rawalpindi has expressed her desire to visit Murree and Islamabad during her visit. She was talking to Geo News reporter Azaz Syed.

    Reena Verma had to leave when she was only 15 due to partition. After waiting for 75 years, Reena Verma arrived at the Wagah-Attari border on Saturday (July 16).

    As soon as she arrived in Pakistan, Verma set off for Rawalpindi with teary eyes to visit her house in Prem Niwas.

    “I am beyond thrilled. All my life I dreamed of this. I wanted to return to my home, the street,” she said while talking to The Quint, an Indian news media outlet.

    “Ever since I received the visa, or since I applied for the visa, those memories are returning of my family…of everyone,” she added.

    She joined a Facebook group called the India-Pakistan Heritage Club earlier in 2022 and made a post expressing her intention to track down her ancestral home.

    “Mr Sajaad Husaain from the group told me that if I tell him where my house used to be, he will find it. And finding my house was not difficult at all because it is surrounded by a lot of landmark buildings. I explained to him clearly and he located my house and sent me pictures.”

    She quickly applied for a visa but in March 2022, it was denied. She did not give up though.

    The 90-year-old received a three-month visa from the Pakistani High Commission in May this year.

  • Interbank trade: Pakistani rupee falls to all-time low of Rs214.74 against US dollar

    Interbank trade: Pakistani rupee falls to all-time low of Rs214.74 against US dollar

    As a result of the ruling PML-N’s defeat in the Punjab by-elections, which has caused political turmoil in the nation, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) on Monday fell to an all-time low of Rs214 against the US dollar in interbank trade.

    Today’s intraday trade saw Rs3.79 depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar. It is still unknown where the local currency will end up after the day’s trading.

    The local currency has reached an all-time low because the US dollar was trading for Rs214.74 on the interbank market, according to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP).

    Pakistani rupee’s record low against the dollar was Rs211.48 on June 21. Since then, the currency has remained erratic.

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index is also down, with the bears controlling trading at the bourse. As of 11:34 am, the index was trading at 41,532.46 points, down nearly 550 points.

    Pressure on import payments and political unpredictability, according to Samiullah Tariq, Head of Research at Pakistan-Kuwait Investment Company, are to blame for the rupee’s decline.

    The results of the by-election on Sunday, according to the analyst, provided clarity, but the market is still waiting for a plan of action.

    PKR is weakening, but Arif Habib Limited analyst Ahsan Mehanti expressed optimism that it would soon rebound because all predictions favour the local currency.

    Mehnti was of the view that Pakistan will benefit greatly from the funds it will receive from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a result of the staff-level agreement.

  • ‘Defeat should be accepted with an open heart’: PTI sweeps Punjab by-polls

    ‘Defeat should be accepted with an open heart’: PTI sweeps Punjab by-polls

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) swept the Punjab by-elections by bagging a total of 15 out of 20 Punjab Asse­mbly seats while the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) only managed to win four seats. An independent candidate won one seat.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Monday thanked the PML-N workers for their tireless efforts and said that Maryam Nawaz ran a great election campaign. “I would like to thank Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz for conducting peaceful elections in Punjab.”

    Congratulating PTI for the big win, Chairman Imran Khan thanked his party workers and supporters of Punjab for what he called not just defeating the PML-N but the entire state machinery.

    “The only way forward from here is to hold free and fair polls under a credible Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The PTI chairman said that now decisions would be taken by masses not in closed rooms,” said Khan.

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, on the other hand, called for introspection following the defeat of the ruling PML-N in its political heartland.

    Maryam took to Twitter and said that the “defeat should be accepted with an open heart”.

    “The PML-N should accept the results of the by-polls with an open heart as it is the decision of the masses,” Maryam Nawaz tweeted. She added that winning and losing were part of politics; therefore, the party should now focus on its weaknesses, identify them, and then overcome them. “God willing, everything will be fine,” said Maryam.

    PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif blamed the “difficult decisions” taken by the Centre for its failure, according to a Daily Jang report.

    PTI’s Secretary General Asad Umar termed PTI victory in the high-voltage Punjab by-elections as a milestone in Pakistan’s political history. 

    Asad Umar also stated that PTI’s core committee meeting would be held today (Monday) with Imran Khan in the chair, where the PTI would take a future course of action.

    Asad Umar also said that Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi would be elected as chief minister of Punjab on July 22, adding that Shehbaz Sharif is now only the “Prime Minister of Islamabad”. 

    Speaker Punjab Assembly and leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said that if Imran Khan asks him to dissolve the Punjab Assembly, then he will dissolve the assembly in two seconds without thinking.

    Elahi further said that Imran Khan worked the hardest, and he [Elahi] had won many by-elections, but the strategy Khan made was perfect and he [Khan] used his energy to the fullest.

  • ‘Right or wrong?’: Neelam Muneer reveals screenshot of a private message

    ‘Right or wrong?’: Neelam Muneer reveals screenshot of a private message

    Actor Neelam Muneer took to her Instagram stories to share a private message by a fan. The screenshot contains a netizen’s message in which he tells the Mere Meherbaan diva that her looks are a mixture of Hollywood actresses Monica Anna Maria Bellucci and Cindy Crawford.

    Neelam termed it as an interesting message from an interesting fan.

    The talented actress recently in an exclusive conversation with The Current, revealed why she rejected to play Shakra in Zahid Ahmed starrer Ishq Zah e Naseeb. The role later fell in stellar performer Yumna Zaidi’s lap.

    “It was a very good project, the director (Farooq Rind) is amazing, it aired on HUM TV and was a proper package.”

    She then spilled that the reason of turning it down was because there was a problem with her dates. She wasn’t available to shoot the project in the given time span. “There was a clash of dates and I felt I won’t be able to manage.”

    Muneer concluded on this topic by saying, “Yumna did a very fine job in the drama, I did watch the show though.”

    Last year, Yumna mentioned that her role in Ishq Zahe Naseeb was initially offered to Ayeza Khan and Neelam Munir who turned down the role as its screen time was less than the other female part played by Sonya Hussyn.

    In the fun interview, Neelam also opened up about her traveling preferences with A-list actors Ahad Raza Mir, Bilal Abbas Khan and Sheheryar Munawar.

    'Ahad ke saath private jet': Neelam Muneer exclusively opens up on travelling with Ahad and Bilal

    On being asked with which hero would she want to travel on a private jet, an auto-rickshaw or a car. The Wrong Number actress was given an option of these three actors.

    She said, “Bilal ke saath auto pe, Ahad Raza Mir ke saath private jet pe chali jaungi and Sheheryar ke saath car pe.”

    Seems like Neelam is fond of the Hum Tum star the most.

    The Mere Meherbaan star also opened up on her alleged engagement. When asked if she is engaged, the Chakkar diva stated that although she wouldn’t mind getting married at this stage of her career, however there is no truth to this speculation.

    “Maine koi hint nahi dia aisa, people are curious to know what is happening in my life so I responded to the fan on Instagram.”

    However, the stunning actress mentioned that she wouldn’t mind marrying at the peak of her career as she thinks that it works.

    The rumour mills went buzzing when the Qaid-e-Tanhai heroine responded with a shy-face emoticon to a netizen’s query on the same.

  • Love conquers: Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck tie the knot in Las Vegas

    Love conquers: Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck tie the knot in Las Vegas

    Singer Jennifer Lopez and actor Ben Affleck are now married, a year after rekindling their romance.

    The duo obtained a license to get married in Las Vegas, a local official said Sunday. The marriage license was issued by Clark County in the state of Nevada dated Saturday, July 16, according to document details posted online by the county clerk’s office.

    “I can confirm that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez obtained a married license last night, but their marriage certificate has not yet been filed,” she said in a statement to Reuters.

    Celebrity website TMZ and People Magazine, among other outlets, reported the Affleck and Lopez had wed. People Magazine, citing a source, said the couple had married during a small, private ceremony.

    Affleck and Lopez, a glamorous duo widely known as “Bennifer,” got back together last year after almost 20 years. They got engaged in April of this year.

    In 2002 Affleck gave Lopez a large 6.1-carat pink diamond engagement ring, but they abruptly called off their wedding in 2003 and split up a few months later.

    In her first Instagram post since the report of her marriage surfaced, the Lopez posted her picture with a cryptic post. 

    Lopez confirmed her marriage to Ben Affleck in her “On The JLo” newsletter and shares multiple pictures of the ceremony.

    Jennifer Lopez shares pictures from her wedding to Ben Affleck

    “We did it. Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient,” the “Marry Me” actress began as she gushed over her nuptials.

    Calling the Vegas ceremony “Exactly what we wanted,” the star detailed their trip down the aisle.

    “Last night we flew to Vegas, stood in line for a license with four other couples, all making the same journey to the wedding capital of the world. Behind us two men held hands and held each other. In front of us, a young couple who made the three hour drive from Victorville on their daughter’s second birthday—all of us wanting the same thing— for the world to recognize us as partners and to declare our love to the world through the ancient and nearly universal symbol of marriage.

    “We barely made it to the little white wedding chapel by midnight,” she revealed. “They graciously stayed open late a few minutes, let us take pictures in a pink Cadillac convertible, evidently once used by the king himself (but if we wanted Elvis himself to show, that cost extra and he was in bed).”

    Lopez added that she wore “a dress from an old movie” as they exchanged vows in the “little chapel” and “gave one another the rings we’ll wear for the rest of our lives.”

    Both Lopez and Affleck were seen in two films together, 2003 romantic comedy Gigli and 2004’s Jersey Girl. According to Variety, the pair has ever since then dubbed as “Bennifer” by tabloids that briefly followed their relationship. In those two decades away from each other, Lopez, 52, and Affleck, 49, got married to different partners — Marc Anthony for the Maid in Manhattan actor and Jennifer Garner for Affleck — but they both got divorced.

    Affleck won an Oscar for producing film Argo while Lopez made a fortune as a judge for music show American Idol and acting in movies while also releasing music. Just a year ago the pair found themselves back together after Lopez split with ex fiancé Alex Rodriguez after being together for four years.

    Ever since the couple has rekindled their romance, Twitter has been cheering on their reunion as they made series of red carpet appearances together be it the Venice Film Festival or film premieres for The Last Duel or Marry Me, Lopez’s latest romantic comedy starring Owen Wilson and singer Maluma.

  • Babar Azam outpaces Virat Kohli as the fastest Asian batsman to make 10,000 international runs

    Babar Azam outpaces Virat Kohli as the fastest Asian batsman to make 10,000 international runs

    Pakistani team’s captain, Babar Azam, became the fastest Asian batsman to reach 10,000 runs in international cricket on Sunday by surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous mark.

    At the Galle International Stadium, Babar reached the milestone during Pakistan’s opening Test match against Sri Lanka. Contrasted to Kohli’s 232 innings, the top ODI and T20I batter only needed 228 innings to reach 10,000 runs.

    Javed Miandad, a legendary Pakistani batsman, had previously accomplished this feat in 248 innings, making him the fastest Pakistani batter to reach 10,000 runs in international cricket.

    The 27-year-old accomplished another milestone by scoring 10,000 runs in international cricket, making him the 11th Pakistani batter to do so.

    It is worth noting that the right-handed batter is ranked fourth in Test batting thanks to Babar’s consistency, and he is the top T20I and ODI batsman.

    He is comfortably at the top of the list for Pakistani batters and ranks fifth all-time among batters, just behind Sir Vivian Richards (206), Hashim Amla (217), Brian Lara (220), and Joe Root (222), but ahead of players like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith (both 232).

    Babar Azam has also hit the headlines for encouraging Virat Kohli on Twitter while he was having a rough stretch with the bat. Kohli is currently going through a difficult period of form.

    Finally responding to Babar’s tweet, the 33-year-old Kohli said, “Thank you. Keep shining and rising. Wish you all the best.”

  • ‘Awkward and uncomfortable’: Aymen Saleem makes revelations about ‘relationship’ with Arslan Naseer

    ‘Awkward and uncomfortable’: Aymen Saleem makes revelations about ‘relationship’ with Arslan Naseer

    Actor Aymen Saleem who was last seen in Paristan on HUM TV has cleared the air regarding her relationship with co-star and friend Arslan Naseer.

    While Replying to a question of a fan on Instagram, she said, “So I and Arslan have always been just costars/friends. In fact, I’d like to request fan pages to not to treat us as a couple. It can get very awkward and uncomfortable. I hope you guys can respect and understand that.”

    The duo have a strong fan base and are adored by their fans who have been shipping them since Chupke Chupke‘s launch.

    Earlier this year, Arsalan took to his Instagram stories to share his stance on Valentine’s day. Terming the day as a curse.