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  • Shahid Afridi shares heartwarming poem for Palestinian children

    Shahid Afridi shares heartwarming poem for Palestinian children

    Former Pakistan Cricket team captain Shahid Afridi has shared a heartwarming poem for the Palestinian children in solidarity.

    Read more – Asim Azhar, Shahid Afridi, Farhan Saeed call out Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians

    Afridi took to his social media and expressed his support for the victims of the deadly Israeli bombardment in Gaza City. He assured them that they are not alone amid this oppression.

    The poem read: “This message is for you, children of the land of Palestine. We are far away here, but our hearts beat with you, in the same way that the hearts of our fathers and their fathers, beat with your ancestors. All the knots of sorrow, anxiety, fear and worry are temporary. All avenues of grief are temporary!”

    Afridi shared two pictures with his daughter, in which they can be seen holding Palestinian flags in their hands.

    Israeli fighter jets continue to pound the Gaza City on Thursday. The death toll has increased to 227 Palestinians, including 64 children, in 11 days of violence.

    The United Nations Security Council’s effort for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza remains stalled, with the United States continuing to veto action on the issue.

  • ‘Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme’ was made in ‘Purana Pakistan’, alleges journalist

    ‘Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme’ was made in ‘Purana Pakistan’, alleges journalist

    Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated a low-cost housing colony for labourers and industrial workers on Wednesday.

    The PM said the housing scheme for workers in Peshawar was launched in 2011 but it remained incomplete since then as it was not a priority because it was meant for the poor labourers. He said he wanted to see how much the condition of the poor had improved after the five-year tenure of the PTI government. This new project has now been put under the ‘Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme’.

    However, a report by journalist Izharullah sets the record straight about the origins of the scheme. 

    

    The labour colony in the Regi Lalma area of Peshawar was approved in 2008 during the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) regime. Work on the project began in 2011, with a total of 1,200 flats. However, in 2013, construction of 1,000 additional flats was approved. 
    

    The project was funded by the Workers’ Welfare Board, an organisation working for the welfare of workers, and funding for it was obtained from the Workers’ Welfare Fund set up under the same board.
    

    Addressing the inaugural function, PM Imran Khan said that the government had launched a ‘new Pakistan housing scheme’ under which the working class and the poor would get houses. 
    

    At the time the colony was approved, there was a PPP-Awami National Party coalition government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Work on the labour colony began in April 2011, and was completed in 2020. Some work is still pending though.
    

    These flats were approved for labourers in Hattar, Peshawar, Takht Bai, and Haripur. These projects were later inaugurated in 2013 by the then PPP Provincial Labour Minister Sher Azam Wazir. The old name plates have been removed and the housing scheme has been inaugurated once again. 
    

    Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Kamran Bangash, tweeted that about half of the flats were started in 2011, while the rest were started in 2013. “However, due to the Workers Welfare Fund being a federal department, the funds of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were cut off during the Nawaz era,” tweeted Bangash.
    

    

    


    

    

    

    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    IN PICTURES: Celebs in Karachi come out in support of Palestine
    
			
    Protests in solidarity with the people of Palestine were held in several cities yesterday, including Karachi. Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar, Anoushay Ashraf, Faysal Quraishi, Mansha Pasha, Ayesha Omar, Sanam Jung and Hania Amir were spotted amongst other celebrities there.
    

    

    Have a look at some pictures from the protest:
    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    At least 227 Palestinians, including 64 children, have been killed in 11 days due to Israeli attacks.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    ‘One SHO is enough for Jahangir Tareen’s group’: Faisal Vawda
    
			
    ‘One SHO is enough for Jahangir Tareen’s group’: Faisal Vawda
    
			
    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)  leader Faisal Vawda downplayed the significance of the leaders who support Jahangir Khan Tareen, saying they can be handled by a station house officer (SHO) alone.
    

    

    


    

    

    

    Faisal Vawda criticised Jahangir Tareen on a talk show on ARY News, ‘Off The Record’, saying, “There is no doubt that Jahangir Khan Tareen is an intelligent and successful person. But he is not Imran Khan, for sure.”
    

    The PTI leader said Tareen earned respect thanks to Imran Khan, adding that whatever reputation he had was only because of PM Khan. Giving his own example the leader said he came into power because PM Khan’s name was associated with him. He alone could not have done anything. 
    

    Vawda said no one should lose sight of their standing. He asserted, “Imran Khan is the leader and he will remain so and 50 million Jahangir Tareens, 500 million Faisal Vawdas, and 500 million cabinets put together could not create a single Imran Khan.”
    

    On Tuesday night, Jahangir Khan Tareen hosted a dinner at his residence and announced a ‘group of like-minded people’. The newly formed group has appointed PTI’s Raja Riaz as Parliamentary Leader in the National Assembly while PML-N’s Saeed Akbar Nawani will lead in the Punjab Assembly.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    The trailer of ‘Friends: The Reunion’ is here
    
			
    The long-awaited trailer of the reunion episode of Friends is finally here with the show scheduled to stream on HBO Max on May 27.
    

    “The year is 2002, it’s Thursday night, and you rush home to catch the latest episode of Friends,” read the caption with the trailer. “Now get ready for it to happen all over again.”
    

    “Friends: The Reunion is streaming May 27 on HBO Max.”
    

    

    


    

    

    

    Ahead of the reunion episode, the cast of the show spoke People Magazine in which  Jennifer Aniston said getting back together for the reunion was “like a family. I don’t have sisters. It’s what I assume sisters are like.”
    

    The special reunion episode will feature a star-studded lineup including Malala Yousafzai, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and K-Pop band BTS, British soccer star David Beckham and Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington.
    

    The reunion episode was originally announced in February 2020 and will star Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer together onscreen for the first time since the show wrapped in 2004.
    

    Friends aired for ten seasons between 1994 and 2004. It was also nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards and won the Outstanding Comedy Series award in 2002.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Arshad Khan ‘Chaiwala’ to open 10 café outlets in UK
    
			
    Arshad Khan ‘Chaiwala’ to open 10 café outlets in UK
    
			
    Arshad Khan Chaiwala is planning to open 10 outlets of his Cafè Chaiwala in the United Kingdom (UK).
    

    After successfully establishing his own brand of Rooftop Cafè in Islamabad, Arshad has emerged as a quietly confident entrepreneur. In an interview with ARY’s Bakhabar Savera, Khan had also shared that he plans to open branches of Cafè Chaiwala across Pakistan soon.
    

    Now, Arshad has announced that he will establish his chai business in London as well. In a recent post on his official Facebook page, Arshad shared a photo himself along with the the announcement of opening a Cafè Chaiwala outlet in London.
    

    “Cafè Chaiwala will Insha Allah open its first Cafè outlet in London [by the] end of this year,” said Arshad. He also quoted Napoleon Hill, saying “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort.”
    

    

    

    

    Khan has signed a Franchise Agreement for running the business in the United Kingdom with two of his investors and affiliates. The agreement which is unique in scope, lays the foundations for Cafè Chaiwala Arshad to become a global brand.
    

    The first Chaiwala Cafè was first launched in Islamabad October 2020 and since then four franchise agreements have been signed. The two investors, Nadir and Yawer have considerable experience supporting and developing franchises with former based out of the UK while the latter is based in USA.
    

    The first Cafè Chaiwala outlet will open in London by the end of this year. Reports have further detailed that the first phase of the UK expansion will entail 10 outlets.
    

    

    

    

    For those who don’t know, Jiah Ali was the photographer who took the viral photograph of Arshad. Arhsad was working at his chai stall when Jiah discovered him selling chai in an open-air Sunday Bazaar. Jiah was stunned by his deep blue eyes and his model-like looks so she photographed him.
    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    She later shared her work on Instagram, marveling at his striking good looks. That’s when Arshad won gigantic recognition as the ‘Chaiwala of Pakistan’.
    

    From humble beginnings as a tea maker at a small dhaba in Islamabad to doing business on international waters, Arshad Khan Chaiwala’s journey from rags to riches is quite an exciting one.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Aiman Khan hits out at those criticising Minal, Ahsan on engagement
    
			
    Aiman Khan hits out at those criticising Minal, Ahsan on engagement
    
			
    Aiman Khan has hit back at those criticising her sister Minal Khan and her fiancé Ahsan Mohsin Ikram over their engagement.
    

    “Shut up all of you. Wish them good luck and congratulate them for their new life,” commented the actor, adding: “Stop this negativity.”
    

    


    

     
    

    Ahsan and Minal, who announced their baat pakki on Tuesday, have been at the receiving end of negative comments and hate over their relationship and public display of affection. 
    

    Earlier, Aiman welcomed Ahsan into the family and asked him to take care of her sister.
    

    


    

     
    

    Responding to Aiman’s post, Minal had said: “He will.”
    

    

    

    

    Meanwhile, Ahsan shared another photo “with his lovelies” from his and Minal’s baat pakki.
    

    


    

     
    

    Ahsan and Minal had officially confirmed their relationship on Minal’s birthday in November 2020 with a picture that received immense backlash on social media. They later subtly announced their engagement on Valentine’s Day earlier this year. Meanwhile, the couple’s wedding plans are not yet known. 
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Another royal baby on the way as Princess Beatrice announces pregnancy
    
			
    Another royal baby on the way as Princess Beatrice announces pregnancy
    
			
    Princess Beatrice, the granddaughter of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth who married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi last year, is expecting a baby, Buckingham Palace has announced.
    

    The baby, the first for Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, and her property developer husband, is due to be born this autumn.
    

    “The queen has been informed and both families are delighted with the news,” the Palace said in a statement.
    

    

    


    

    

    

    The princess, the ninth-in-line to the throne, and her husband wed at Windsor Castle in July in a scaled-down private ceremony that took place without the usual pomp and fanfare that royal weddings usually attract because of COVID-19 restrictions.
    

    

    

    

    The queen currently has 10 great grandchildren, with two new royal arrivals this year – Beatrice’s sister Eugenie had her first baby in February and Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne, gave birth to her third child in March.
    

    Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are also expecting their second child this year.
    

    The announcement of the pregnancy provides some good for the 95-year-old monarch whose husband of more than seven decades Prince Philip died last month.
    

    In a further blow to the queen, one of two Dorgi puppies she was given by Prince Andrew to cheer her up after Philip fell ill in February died over the weekend.
    

    “The queen is absolutely devastated,” an unnamed royal aide told the Sun newspaper. “Everyone concerned is upset as this comes so soon after she lost her husband.”
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Sanam Jung launches fragrance line with three scents
    
			
    Sanam Jung launches fragrance line with three scents
    
			
    After ruling the morning show scene for years, Sanam Jung has turned entrepreneur launching her own fragrance line called Sanam Jung Fragrances.
    

    Read more – ‘OohLala’: Shahid Afridi launches new range of skincare products
    

    Sharing the news on social media, the actor gave a glimpse of her first collection, discussing her obsession with perfumes and how excited she is about her new venture.
    

    “So there you have it, I have introduced my own fragrance line,” said Sanam. “I’ve always been a perfume connoisseur, and launching my own fragrance collection was a lifelong ambition of mine.”
    

    “Sanam Jung Fragrances has finally arrived!”
    

    Jung further said: “To inaugurate this venture I have created three scents that have been able to truly capture my essence and all that I love about perfumes now all you have to do is try them out.”
    

    


    

     
    

    Jung also thanked everyone who helped her in launching the product and those who helped design the campaign.
    

    The three perfumes in the collection include Mystic Fall, Heavenly Divine and Forever Crush. Sanam also described the scents in detail on her website. 
    

    


    

     
    

    “Lasting in women’s perfumes is always an issue and that’s exactly the problem my Mystic Fall perfume fixes. Its beautiful woody and floral notes create a hypnotic scent that simply doesn’t fade,” said Sanam while talking about Mystic Fall.
    

    Describing Heavenly Divine, Jung said: “I designed this perfume to be a sharp hit of fruits and essence. It’s refreshing notes of peach, rose and vanilla deliver an aromatic aroma perfect in every way.”
    

    Meanwhile, Forever Crush “is a nice, light scent. A fragrance that communicates glamour in a subtle way. Forever Crush has been designed with the softest floral elements that deliver a truly unique scent.”
    

    Sanam Jung Fragrances are not yet available in stores but those interested can visit the brand’s website to place their order.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Schools to reopen in districts with less than 5% covid positivity ratio: NCOC
    
			
    The National Command and Operations Centre on Wednesday allowed the reopening of schools in districts with less than five per cent coronavirus positivity ratio.
    

    The meeting reviewed the ongoing situation of coronavirus in the country. 
    

    

    


    

    

    

    Key decisions
    

    From May 24, outdoor restaurants will be opened daily till 11:59 pm, and takeaway will be allowed 24/7.
    

    The tourism sector will be allowed to operate under strict coronavirus protocols.
    

    Outdoor marriage ceremonies with a limit of 150 individuals will be permitted.
    

    Opening of educational institutions from June 7 (other than those opened from May 24).
    

    Meanwhile cinemas, indoor dining, indoor gyms, amusement parks, shrines, all kinds of festivals, cultural and other events shall remain banned till further notice.
    

    June 1 onwards, several sectors will be allowed to open after a review meeting on May 27.
    

    In addition to this, the NCOC decided all SSC and HSSC exams will be held after June 20, while conducting professional and non-professional exams would take place on a case-to-case basis on recommendations from the Ministry of Education.
    

    The forum decided that wearing masks would remain compulsory.
    

    The NCOC had earlier imposed a lockdown in the country during the Eid holidays in order to stop the spread of the virus amid the deadly third wave.