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  • PTI foreign funding case: ECP reserves verdict

    PTI foreign funding case: ECP reserves verdict

     The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday reserved the verdict in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) “foreign funding” case.

    ECP concluded the case after seven years of trial, which started in 2014 when PTI’s founding member Akbar S Babar filed it. The date when the verdict will be announced is yet to be revealed.

    PTI hid funds worth millions of rupees from the ECP, the report of an ECP scrutiny committee probing the party’s funds had revealed on January 4.

    The report stated that the PTI provided “false information” regarding the party’s funding to the ECP. It said that the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) bank statement revealed that the party had received Rs1.64 billion in funding.

    Read more: ECP barred: IHC suspends 30-day deadline order in PTI foreign funding case

    The report of an ECP scrutiny committee probing the party’s funds revealed the following details.

    The committee’s report showed that the PTI had only disclosed 12 out of its 65 accounts, which are registered with the SBP.

    The report stated that in the years 2008/2009 and 2012/2013, the PTI disclosed funding worth Rs1.33 billion against an actual amount of Rs1.64 billion, which was reflected in SBP’s bank statement. Therefore, the party did not disclose funding worth Rs310 million.

    A scrutiny committee of the ECP constituted in March 2019 to audit foreign funds of the PTI had finally submitted its report to the commission on November 26, 2021.

  • Gold surges to Rs147,250 per tola in local market

    Gold surges to Rs147,250 per tola in local market

    On Monday, gold prices in the local market rose by Rs1,450 per tola to a new all-time high, pushed up by the Pakistani currency’s continued depreciation against the US dollar.

    Despite no change in gold rates in the international market, gold rates in the local market increased to Rs147,250 per tola, according to data released by the All Sindh Saraf Jewelers Association. Similarly, the price of a gramme of gold increased by Rs1,243 to Rs126,243.

    However, gold prices on the international market remained unchanged at $1,840 per ounce.

    The price of silver per tola remained unchanged at Rs1,560. The price of a gramme of silver also remained unchanged at Rs1,337.44. When compared to rates in the Dubai gold market, local jewellers said prices in the local market remained below Rs3,000 per tola.

    Pakistani rupee dips to new lows

    Experts predict that the Pakistan rupee will continue to fall against the US dollar and other major currencies owing to concerns regarding the IMF’s $6 billion program’s restoration, the country’s expanding current account deficit, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves.

    The PKR which lost 32.5 per cent of its value in the current financial year 2021-22 is forecasted to remain under stress as the dollar is in high demand in the market due to economic crises.

    The central bank appears helpless to stem the rupee’s speculative fall, as demand for the US dollar continues to rise due to quarter-end payment strain.

  • Adnan Siddiqui refuses to attend event with Indian artists

    Pakistani star Adnan Siddiqui refused to attend an event in the United States (US) after he learnt that some Indian artists have also been invited.

    “In solidarity with countless Muslims around the world, I won’t be attending APPNA event in US where some Indian artists are invited too. Nothing against the artistes but my conscience doesn’t allow me to overlook the humiliation of revered Prophet (PBUH) by Indian leaders.”

    Read more- ‘World should severely reprimand India’: Muslim countries condemn BJP’s derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet (PBUH)

    Adnan Siddiqui has refused to attend the event because of the derogatory remarks made by BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal. India’s ruling party suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal. The two also issued public apologies. The Biden administration in the United States (US) had also condemned the derogatory remarks made by BJP spokespersons.

  • PM Shehbaz decides to continue targeted subsidy on five essentials items

    PM Shehbaz decides to continue targeted subsidy on five essentials items

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Monday decided to continue a targeted subsidy on five essential items — wheat flour, sugar, ghee/edible oil, pulses, and rice — at Utility Stores for the next financial year.

    The prime minister also approved the expansion of a network of Utility Stores in Karachi.

    “The small number of Utility Stores in Karachi is not acceptable in any way and a comprehensive plan for raising the number of Utility Stores in the megacity should be presented within two weeks,” tweeted PM Shehbaz.

    The decision was taken at a high-level meeting regarding Utility Stores in the country, with the PM in the chair. Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail, Minister for Industries and Production Murtaza Mahmood, and other senior officials were also in attendance.

  • Pakistan Blind Cricket Council needs permission to participate in T20 World Cup in India

    Pakistan Blind Cricket Council needs permission to participate in T20 World Cup in India

    Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) has reportedly contacted the Pakistani government for the issuance of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) so that the team can participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup for Blinds in India.

    PBCC’s Chairman Sultan Shah told Geo News, “We will only confirm our participation in T20 World Cup in India once we get the NOC from the government.”

    “We have already started preparing a strong team for the event,” Shah added.

    The third T20 cricket World Cup will be played in India from December 4 to 17, 2022.

    The second T20 cricket World Cup was also hosted by India in 2017. In the final, India won against Pakistan by 9 wickets.

  • ‘I was rejected’: Faysal Qureshi makes striking revelations about losing out on ‘Parizaad’

    ‘I was rejected’: Faysal Qureshi makes striking revelations about losing out on ‘Parizaad’

    Actor Faysal Qureshi, who is currently riding high on the success of Dil-e-Momin has made some striking revelations about losing out on the blockbuster drama serial, Parizaad.

    The veteran artist stated in a recent interview, “I am very glad, in recent times, Parizaad got hit, I actually made fun of a few people (who were against it), I really wanted to do that script but I was rejected, people said that it is a flop, don’t go for it, the writer also got upset with me but I said to him people warned me that it won’t work, but still it was a hit, it changed the trend, and even before Parizaad, Pyare Afzal, Bashar Momin and Mera Saaien have changed trends.”

    Earlier this year he responded to senior actor Naumaan Ijaz’s complaint about him not appearing on his show despite being invited several tiimes

    Nauman Ejaz With Faysal Quraishi & Ahsan Khan At Lux Style Awards - Arts & Entertainment Images & Photos

    The Fitoor star took to his Instagram stories to share his stance with fans and the media. Faysal stated that he has utmost respect for Naumaan and if he would have invited him directly, he would have appeared on his show without any doubt,

    Earlier the Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi star made a shocking revelation that the Qaid-e-Tanhai hero is too busy for him. “He is too busy. He don’t have time for us, we asked him many times.”

    ALSO READ: Naumaan Ijaz makes blasting revelations about issue with Faysal Qureshi, expresses disappointment

  • ‘Maine usay phone kia’: Farhan Saeed opens up about Bollywood debut opposite Urvashi Rautela

    ‘Maine usay phone kia’: Farhan Saeed opens up about Bollywood debut opposite Urvashi Rautela

    Currently riding high on the success of his blockbuster drama, Mere Humsafar opposite Hania Aamir, singer-actor Farhan Saeed has opened up about his Bollywood debut, which never saw the light of the day.

    The Suno Chanda star revealed that he was earlier offered a Bollywood film because of his hit songs.

     “I was offered a Bollywood film with Mithun Chakraborty’s son, which also starred Urvashi Rautela. But Urvashi and I backed out of it together because we realized it was not something that we wanted to do.” He shared that upon returning to Pakistan after making music for Bollywood, he was offered Udaari which became a huge hit.

    He made that decision over the phone with the Pagalpanti diva.

    Now, years down the line, Saeed has been enjoying acting and is looking forward to his Lollywood debut, Tich Button soon.

    Farhan has sung Bollywood songs like “Thori Dair Aur Teher Jaa”.

    Recently he also broke his silence on the public speculation about his personal life and equation with partner Urwa Hocane.

    While getting candid about it, he stated that the constant speculation and interference in his personal life is a part of his job as when fans shower him with so much love it is understandable that they are emotionally invested and want to know more.

    “Ideally, I think to comment on the things which are shared but that’s idealism. When you are famous and in the public eye, there is always a price to pay. Criticism and praise come hand in hand. Just answer want you to want to and ignore other things.”

    The Suno Chanda star added further that he just answers what he wishes to and ignores everything else as every job comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

    Earlier last year it was reported that Farhan and Urwa have parted ways amicably, however recently some news portals informed that maybe the couple has reconciled. However the Udaari pair has never made a public statement about their split or alleged patch-up.

  • When Kim Kardashian revealed that she hates ‘Indian cuisine’

    When Kim Kardashian revealed that she hates ‘Indian cuisine’

    Reality TV star Kim Kardashian once slammed Indian cuisine in an episode of her reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians. This lead to an uproar on social media by her Indian fans.

    She later issued an apology on her social media accounts.

    Sorry India': Kim Kardashian forced to apologise to a nation after branding curry 'disgusting' | Daily Mail Online

    “In no way was my comment intended as an insult to the Indian people or their culture. This is just my own personal taste,” she wrote.

    “There are a lot of foods I don’t like . . . I hate cilantro and peppers, and there are definitely some Armenian foods that I personally find disgusting, but that doesn’t reflect my opinions on other Armenian people or my culture.”

    “My comment wasn’t intended to offend anybody. We all have our own opinions and tastes and I was simply expressing mine,” she added.

    Recently Kim was trolled for her reply to what extent she would go for maintaining youthful skin.

    In an interview with New York Times, while launching her beauty range SKNN by KIM, the KUWTK star said, “If you told me that I literally had to eat poop every single day and I would look younger, I might. I just might.” The comment did not sit well with social media users.

    There is no scientific evidence that suggest eating poop helps with the ageing process.

    In that same interview, Kim also addressed the backlash surrounding her comments about losing weight for the Met Gala. Many thought it was irresponsible of her to share that she had lost weight for a specific event when she has an impressionable audience.

    However, Kim defended her weight loss and said it was no different to how actors shift pounds or gain weight for their roles.

    Kim Kardashian says she&squot;d

    “I didn’t do anything unhealthy. To me, it was like, ‘OK, Christian Bale can do it for a movie role and that is acceptable.’ Even Renée Zellweger gained weight for a role. It’s all the same to me. I wasn’t saying, ‘Hey everyone, why don’t you go lose this weight in a short period of time?’”

  • Considering significant medical, legal, and security challenges: Musharraf’s family

    Considering significant medical, legal, and security challenges: Musharraf’s family

    Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s family on Sunday said that they are reviewing the medical, legal, and security challenges before deciding on his return to Pakistan.

    Musharraf’s family said that Pakistan lacks the required medicines and medical facilities, adding that a continuous supply of a drug called ‘daratumumab’ and treatment of amyloidosis is needed which is currently not available in the country.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Chief Nawaz Sharif and Inter-Services Pub­lic Relations (ISPR) Director-Gen­eral (DG) Major General Babar Iftik­har both appear to be on the same page regarding Musharraf’s return to Pakistan.

    READ MORE: ‘Military leadership’s stance is that Pervez Musharraf should return’: DG ISPR

    DG ISPR said, “In such a situation, the institution and leadership’s stance is that Pervez Musharraf should return,” said DG ISPR in Dunya News programme, ‘On The Front with Kamran Shahid’.

    “Musharraf Saab is seriously ill. We have contacted his family. Once his family responds and the doctors allow him to travel, we can make the required arrangements.”

    On the other hand, Nawaz said, “I have no personal enmity or animosity towards Pervez Musharraf. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the traumas I have had to endure for my loved ones. I pray to Almighty Allah for his health. If he wants to return to Pakistan, the government should facilitate him.”

    Musharraf, 78, is critically ill these days as he is suffering from a condition called amyloidosis, his office said earlier this month.

  • Number of railway passengers increases after hike in bus fares

    Number of railway passengers increases after hike in bus fares

    The number of train passengers has enhanced as the cost of travelling by bus or private vehicle has elevated owing to skyrocketing fuel costs.

    Despite a slight increase in railway fares, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways said that there was no comparison between train fares and bus or other forms of road transportation.

    According to AFP, Pakistan Railways had to jack up ticket prices by 10 per cent on some trains, but train travel was still affordable and convenient.

    On the other hand, due to an increase in petroleum prices throughout the country, bus fares have soared in the last month.

    Sardar Nasir, a passenger at the Lahore railway station, told this scribe that taking a bus with his family was too expensive, so he decided to take the train to Rawalpindi instead.

    Another passenger on the Allama Iqbal Express train to Bahawalpur with her family, explained that the pricing for Bahawalpur by bus was nearly doubled, so she chose to commute by train.

    The booking receptionist at the Faisalabad train station validated that train ticket sales had surged following the increase in petroleum product prices.