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  • Inflation has eroded purchasing power of Pakistanis: Bloomberg

    Inflation has eroded purchasing power of Pakistanis: Bloomberg

    A recent Bloomberg report reveals that Pakistan is facing the highest inflation rate in its region.

    The report explains that the Pakistani government has had to raise energy prices significantly to secure a new programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Although inflation has decreased somewhat, electricity bills have risen sharply, now often surpassing household rent. This increase in power tariffs, aimed at meeting IMF conditions and implementing required reforms, has led to widespread protests across the country.

    Bloomberg’s report shows that since 2021, electricity prices in Pakistan have soared by 155 per cent. This surge followed the government’s decision to raise both industrial and retail electricity rates to improve the chances of obtaining IMF loans.

    The rising energy costs have worsened the country’s economic crisis, with inflation around 12 per cent—the highest in Asia—reducing people’s purchasing power and leading to a drop in electricity usage as individuals and businesses turn to solar power.

    In July, following the approval of a $7 billion IMF loan, the average residential electricity price increased by 18 per cent. Many residents now find their electricity bills exceeding their monthly rent, which ranges from $100 to $700, according to Samiullah Tariq, head of research at Pakistan Kuwait Investment Co.

    In response to growing public frustration, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a Rs50 billion ($180 million) subsidy over the next three months to help low-income households cope with the higher energy costs.

    The IMF programme is focused on improving Pakistan’s energy sector through cost reductions and the privatisation of state-owned power companies. The power regulator estimates that Pakistan loses about 16 per cent of its electricity due to theft and inefficiencies in its transmission and distribution systems.

    The Bloomberg report underscores the severity of Pakistan’s economic challenges and the urgent need for effective solutions in its energy sector.

  • Taylor Swift returns to stage in London after Vienna concert plot

    Taylor Swift returns to stage in London after Vienna concert plot

    Taylor Swift will return to the stage in London on Thursday to end the European leg of her “Eras” tour, a week after her Vienna concerts were cancelled due to a suicide attack plot.

    Around 90,000 fans will again pack London’s Wembley Stadium for the first date in the five-day run, with additional ticket checks and restrictions in place.

    Last week, all three of the American mega-star’s shows in the Austrian capital were cancelled following the discovery of an Islamic State-inspired plan to launch an attack using explosives and knives.

    Three alleged Islamic State sympathisers have been arrested on charges of plotting the atrocity, which was thwarted with the help of US intelligence.

    London’s Metropolitan Police has said there was “nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London”.

    The force was working “closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place”, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

    Fans have been warned on Wembley’s website to expect “additional ticket checks” around the stadium.

    – ‘Tay-gating’ –

    Swift’s return to the British capital, following three sold-out shows in June, also comes two weeks after three young girls were killed in a stabbing at a dance class themed around the pop star’s music in northwest England.

    Following the knife attack, Swift said she was “completely in shock” and at a “complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families”.

    She has not yet commented on the decision to cancel the Vienna shows.

    London’s mayor Sadiq Khan told Sky News that the city was “going to carry on working closely with police, ensuring that the Taylor Swift concerts can take place in London safely”.

    “We have a huge amount of experience in policing these events, we’re never complacent, many lessons were learned after the awful Manchester Arena attack,” Khan added.

    He was referring to the 2017 bombing at an Ariana Grande concert that killed 22 people, some of them children.

    Fans without tickets will also not be allowed to “tay-gate” the event — the practice of Swift fans standing outside the venue during the live show to hear the music.

    – Royal audience –

    The stadium’s website says that “no one is allowed to stand outside any entrance or… at the front of the stadium” and “non-ticket holders will be moved on”.

    While the practice was not permitted at her June concerts there, some fans still managed to gather outside Wembley.

    After two performances in Madrid at the end of July, Swift noted around 50,000 “people came out and listened to the show” from a nearby hillside on both nights, “participating in the show from afar”.

    Meanwhile, her last London appearances were attended by some high-profile names.

    They included Keir Starmer, who was then running to become Britain’s prime minister, and Prince William — celebrating his birthday — along with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

    The singer posted a photo posing with the royals and her boyfriend, American football player Travis Kelce, with the caption “Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start”.

    After wrapping up the European leg of her record-breaking tour — which began in Paris in May and saw the star perform across the continent — Swift will then head back to North America.

    Its final leg there starts on October 18 in Miami.

  • Saudi Super Cup: Ronaldo’s team ‘Al-Nasr’ reaches into finals

    Saudi Super Cup: Ronaldo’s team ‘Al-Nasr’ reaches into finals

    Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliant performance in the Saudi Super Cup has led his team, Al-Nasr, to the finals.

    In the semi-finals of the Cup, Al-Nasr defeated Al-Taawon Club 2-0 to advance to the final. In the first half of the match, Al-Nasr held a one-goal advantage over Al-Taawon.

    In the second half, Taawon Club could not score, while Cristiano Ronaldo added another goal for Al-Nasr, securing his team’s victory.

    In the final of the Saudi Super Cup, Al-Nasr will compete against Al-Hilal Club on August 17.

  • Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab selected for Jaipur Film Festival

    Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab selected for Jaipur Film Festival

    Marking a milestone moment for Pakistan cinema, ‘Nayab’  has been selected for the Jaipur International Film Festival to be held in India from August 28 to 30.

    The recognition is a follow-up accomplishment to its recent success after the film won the ‘Best Foreign Film’ award at World Film Festival in Cannes.  Directed by Umair Nasir Ali, Nayab also won the Best First Time Film Maker award in the feature film category.

    The film is written by Basit Naqvi and Ali Abbas Naqvi The cast of the film includes Yumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, Ehteshamuddin, Faryal Mehmood Adnan Siddiqui, Mohammad Fawad Khan and Javed Sheikh.

    Umair Nasir Ali shared a story on his Instagram with the caption, “This Independence Day, we are delighted to share that Pakistan’s celebrations have become even more special with the official selection of our film “Nayab” at the 9th Jaipur International Film Festival in India., Nayab is a project close to our hearts, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved. From our EPs to our Production Boys.

    Adding to this joy , our nation has also celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics , where Arshad Nadeem secured a Gold Medal , surpassing India. These moments in cinema and sports fill us with immense pride as Pakistani continues to shine on the global stage.”

  • 77 years of independence: Patriotism in Pakistani movies

    77 years of independence: Patriotism in Pakistani movies

    Pakistani cinema has a well-known genre of patriotism. From classic to modern, the movies have told stories of struggle, victory, and love for the nation, inspiring generations with unforgettable characters and storylines.

    Here are some films centered on patriotism:

    Parwaaz Hai Junoon (2018)

    The film is about the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Air Force; their lives, relationships, duties, and hardships.Parwaaz Hai Junoon is written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Haseeb Hassan.

    Sherdil (2021)

    The film revolves around Haris Mustafa, an under-training cadet who progresses from the academy to becoming a Flight Lieutenant in the PAF, fighting through personal and professional issues to achieve his dreams.Sherdil is written by Noumaan Khan and directed by Afzal Jafri.

    Yalghaar (2017)

    This action-packed war drama highlights the bravery of Pakistani soldiers and explores the effects of military operations. Yalghaar is written and directed by Hasaan Rana.

    Waar (2013)

    The film is about a former Pakistan Army officer, Major Mujtaba Rizvi, who joins a counter-terrorism operation to stop a major terrorist attack and seek revenge against the Indian spy who killed his family. Waar is written by Hassan Raza and directed by Bilal Lashari.

    These films showcase the diversity and richness of Pakistani cinema’s portrayal of patriotism and independence.

    There are also films based on the biopics of national heroes:

    Jinnah (1998)

    The film is based on the life of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who successfully campaigned for an independent country and became its first Governor-General.Jinnah is written by Akbar Ahmed, Farrukh Dhondy, and Jamil Dehlavi, and directed by Jamil Dehlavi.

    Salute (2016)The film depicts a Pakistani schoolboy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who sacrifices his life to prevent a suicide bomber from entering his school.This film is a tribute to Aitzaz Hasan. It is written and directed by Shehzad Rafique.These films explore diversity and richness of Pakistani cinema’s portrayal of patriotism and independence.

  • Aima Baig suffers minor heart attack

    Aima Baig suffers minor heart attack

    Renowned singer Aima Baig recently suffered a minor heart attack.

    Baig shared photos on Instagram, including one of her in a hospital bed, to inform her fans about the incident.

    The singer explained that lack of sleep over several nights led to the heart attack.

    Aima Baig said, “I took one flight after another because of work and couldn’t sleep properly.”

    She added in her message that “this minor heart attack has reminded me that health should be the priority.”

    Aima Baig went to Saudi Arabia last month for a performance and also performed Umrah after the event.

  • ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ takes over trends in Pakistan & India

    ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ takes over trends in Pakistan & India

    ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’, ARY Digital’s hit serial, is trending not just in its home country of Pakistan but also in India.

    Written by the talented Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by the well-known Badar Mehmood, the drama is produced by Fahad Mustafa and Dr. Ali Kazmi under the banner of Big Bang Entertainment.

    The show stars Hania Aamir, Fahad Mustafa, Emmad Irfani, Zainab Mazhar, Maya Khan, Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, and more.

    The story follows a young and ambitious girl named Sharjeena, who marries Mustafa, a carefree man. The chemistry between Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir is winning hearts, and fans are loving their performances.

    Episode 11 of ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ is currently trending on YouTube, with 6.5 million views in just one day. The drama is trending in both Pakistan and India, and viewers in Bangladesh are also showing love for the show.

    Fahad Mustafa shared screenshots showing the drama trending at No. 2 and No. 41 on YouTube. ARY Digital celebrated the show’s success by sharing these achievements on their channel.

  • Get ready for Fawad Khan’s catchy new hit ‘Taara/Diamonds’—out now

    Get ready for Fawad Khan’s catchy new hit ‘Taara/Diamonds’—out now

    Our favourite heartthrob Fawad Khan’s latest song, ‘Taara/Diamonds,’ is now out and ready to stream. Produced by a US-based media company, the track has a fresh and catchy electronic pop style.

    The video, directed by Maheen Mustafa, the founder of MTG, can be seen on all major streaming platforms. Fawad Khan has spoken highly of the featured artists, praising their amazing voices.

    ‘Taara/Diamonds’ features Bilal Ali, the lead singer of the Pakistani band “Kashmir,” and Maria Unera, a Pakistani-Filipino singer-songwriter. Maria shared her excitement about being part of the project, calling it a special opportunity. Bilal is also thrilled to work with such talented artists and hopes people will enjoy their collaboration.

    The song is a unique mix that blends Ali Azmat’s classic ‘Taara Jala’ with Rihanna’s 2012 hit ‘Diamonds,’ paying tribute to influential artists from both the past and present.

  • ‘It’s not possible’; Reporting in internet-challenged Pakistan

    ‘It’s not possible’; Reporting in internet-challenged Pakistan

    With the primary shift from newspapers to television channels and now to digital media applications, the dissemination of information has become increasingly competitive for newsrooms, with the latest updates just a click away.

    “Delays can be managed with newspapers, but today everything is in your hands—specifically, mobile phones,” says Raees Ansari, Bureau Chief of Geo News in Lahore.

    “Every single second is crucial in reporting now; some footage needs to be sent and put on air instantly. But due to poor network conditions and slow WhatsApp, content is not being sent on time, which is affecting our professional activities,” he reveals.

    Over the past week, internet users across Pakistan have reported network disruptions, with WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram experiencing slowdowns, hindering online activities. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied any connection between these issues and the alleged firewall installation.

    Since the ban on X (formerly Twitter) on February 17, 2024, many have turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The ongoing disturbances, however, have complicated internet usage, which is crucial for a number of professions.

    Sumaira Raja, an investigative reporter, who is mostly found out on the field, complains of encountering issues with not only the internet but also phone signals which often prevents her from conveying news on time.

    “I also experience delays with receiving beepers, as head office frequently reports that the number is not available due to poor signals. This situation makes it very difficult to do my job. I’ve tried using a VPN, but it hasn’t worked,” Raja says.

    Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani recalls when javelin champion Arshad Nadeem returned to Pakistan on August 17 after winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, all the visuals sent through WhatsApp by reporters were delayed, and they struggled to download them unless they used a VPN.

    “This situation is very challenging and affects our workflow. When reporters are working on a story or covering an event, they need to stay connected with the desk. We usually rely on voice notes to pass instructions, but since we started encountering this issue, we are struggling with that method too,” he says.

    “We have been told that the network disruption is because of the firewall installation. While things are becoming easier around the world, it has been getting harder for us. Everything is happening with the help of technology and the current situation is a major challenge.” says Ansari.

    What’s happening?

    A highly placed source in the IT industry identifies that filtering of content delivery networks (CDNs) through Firewall is causing content to be routed via internet backbone rather than CDNs.

    “This means that around 4 TBs of internet traffic previously served through CDNs, hosted in Pakistan, is becoming ineffective. When all traffic goes on backbone bypassing CDNs, it’s causing massive slowdown at many western destinations that’s happening now,” he explains.

    Recently, Fiverr, an online marketplace for freelance services, warned clients that Pakistani freelancers may experience delays due to internet issues and the use of VPNs to change their locations.

    “Brace for impact. God save the internet in Pakistan”, says the IT expert.

    Background

    It all started on February 17, 2024, about a week into the new government, when X (formerly Twitter) was banned.

    Initially, amid the uproar, the government remained silent on the matter while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) seemed aloof until the High Courts of Sindh and Islamabad intervened. The PTA eventually admitted that the ban on X was imposed on the orders of the Ministry of Interior based on reports from intelligence agencies.

    The government eventually justified the ban by attributing it to national security concerns, citing ‘digital terrorism‘ and online propaganda as among the threats.

    Earlier in August, Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that the government is not against social media but wants to focus on rules and regulations, which, if enforced, could lead to the removal of the ban on X.

    The disruption has now extended beyond X, affecting other widely used apps along with the internet.

    Ironically, since the February 2024 election, the new government has emphasised the need to grow the tech industry in Pakistan.

    In March, Lahore Knowledge Park (a science park) was handed over to the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority with the approval of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, with the goal of establishing Pakistan’s largest IT city.

    In June, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Shenzhen— the tech hub in China— in hopes of future collaboration. Ironically, he posted on X (Twitter), expressing how “impressed” he was by the “city’s skyline and development that symbolizes modern-day China.”

    Given the lack of proper infrastructure in the country amid burgeoning surveillance, how will Pakistan evolve in the rapidly transforming digital world? It remains to be seen – but likely we won’t be able to download it.

  • Pakistan approaches international community on radioactive smuggling in India

    Pakistan approaches international community on radioactive smuggling in India

    Pakistan has reached out to the international community over the arrest of a gang charged with smuggling radioactive substances called ‘californium’ in India.
    Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) has questioned how hazardous Sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material was stolen.

    The Bihar Police have arrested a member of a gang smuggling californium, a radioactive chemical that is used to cure cancer. It is reportedly worth RS 17 crore a gram, Indian Media report

    “It is dangerous for such sensitive material in India to be routinely found in the wrong hands. Pakistan reiterates its call for a thorough investigation of these incidents and for adequate measures to prevent their recurrence. Pakistan is gravely concerned at the reports of recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India,” said the Foreign Office.

    Quoting last month’s incident where five individuals with a radioactive device reportedly stolen from Bhabha Atomic Research Center were also found from Dehradun, the FO expressed strong reservations on the developments.