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  • PTI, PML-N face off in Islamabad as parliament decides PM’s fate

    PTI, PML-N face off in Islamabad as parliament decides PM’s fate

    Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) protesters and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters engaged in a short brawl and shouted slogans against each other outside the Parliament in the red zone, the day Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan sought a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.

    As per details, the law and order situation erupted as the parliament geared for PM Khan’s vote of confidence amid joint opposition’s boycott of the session.

    PML-N’s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal and Musadiq Malik were among the PML-N leaders present at the scene.

    The incident reportedly occurred when PML-N leaders tried to address the media and PTI workers surrounded the PML-N leaders and a scuffle broke out. A large crowd has now gathered at D-Chowk and some political workers have entered the Parliament Lodges.

    https://twitter.com/TalatHussain12/status/1368106077179494401?s=20

    While many reports have suggested that PTI supporters instigated the violence, Focal Person to PM Imran on Digital Media Dr Arsalan Khalid and Focal Person to Chief Minister Punjab on Digital Punjab Azhar Mashwani have alleged that Abbasi and Malik attacked PTI supporters when they chanted slogans against PML-N.

    https://twitter.com/arslankhalid_m/status/1368105897336143872?s=20

    Later, a large contingent of law enforcers arrived at the scene and managed to separate the political workers of the two parties.

    The 30th NA session – on a single point agenda – will make it clear whether PM Imran commands the trust of the house and whether the lawmakers who allegedly ditched the ruling candidate on the general seat in the recently-held Senate election stick to their stand.

  • VIDEO: Dale Steyn jams with Azam Khan

    VIDEO: Dale Steyn jams with Azam Khan

    South African fast bowler Dale Steyn was recently seen jamming with team fellow Azam Khan from Quetta Gladiators.

    The duo, who played for the Quetta Gladiators this season, went live on Steyn’s Instagram account during which Azam sang Coldplay’s Yellow while strumming along on his guitar.

    https://twitter.com/hassam_sajjad/status/1367555511667810304?s=20

    Fans of both the players loved the sweet bonding session, with many saying that it highlighted the other side of the PSL — the friendships and bonds forged after weeks of playing together.

    https://twitter.com/duke_dynamo/status/1367654243738542083?s=20

    https://twitter.com/Mah_noorjahan/status/1367700084247429120?s=20

    Azam’s his love for Steyn is not new.

    https://twitter.com/MAzamKhan45/status/1337316651977437190?s=20

    Steyn had recently sparked controversy after he remarked that playing in PSL and Lanka Premier League (LPL) is more rewarding that playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    “I [feel] that playing in these other leagues was slightly more rewarding as a player. I think when you go to IPL, there are such big squads and so many big names and so much emphasis on maybe the amount of money players earn and everything like that, so sometimes, somewhere down the line, cricket gets forgotten,” Steyn had said.

    “When you come to like a PSL or the Sri Lanka Premier League (SPL), for that matter, there is an importance on the cricket. I have only been here for a couple of days and I have had people in and out of my room, just wanting to know about where I have played and how I went about it. Whereas, when I go to something like IPL that gets forgotten and the main topic is how much money did you go for in this IPL?”

    “That’s just me being brutally honest,” he added.

    However, the South African legend later issued a clarification over his comments saying that he had not intended to degrade, insult or compare any of the cricket leagues. He had received a lot of hate from Indian fans.

    “Social media and words out of context can often do that. My apologies if this has upset anyone,” Steyn had said.

  • Shahveer Jafry stirs controversy with claims of ‘hi-fiving’ PSL players

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced that the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was being postponed indefinitely due to rising COVID-19 cases among players and officials involved in the tournament.

    Soon after the news broke, PSL fans expressed their hurt and anger over the decision, with many pointing fingers at Peshwar Zalmi’s management for breaching the biosecure bubble as one night before the opening match, Zalmi coach Daren Sammy and captain Wahab Riaz were spotted meeting franchise owner Javed Afridi, who was not part of the bubble.

    Later, a Twitter user posted a video of Shahveer Jafry in which the vlogger boasted that he breached the bio-secure bubble of two players of Peshawar Zalmi.

    “Mainay toh to aik dou cricket players ko high-five bhi karlia hai,” Shahveer can be heard saying in the video. Jafry was talking to Mahira Khan and Zainab Abbas while watching the match at the National Stadium Karachi.

    Jafry was at the stadium with Mahira, who is the Brand Ambassador of Peshawar Zalmi, for the promotion of his upcoming web series Baarwan Khiladi. The cricket-based series is produced by Mahira Khan, and will feature Danyal Zafar, Kinza Hashmi, Saba Faisal, Sarmad Khoosat and Khaqan along with Shahveer.

    Jafry and Mahira have not yet responded to the controversy.

    Meanwhile, PCB, during the press conference, clarified that Peshawar Zalmi was not involved in any bubble breach.

  • PSL Ko ‘Nazar Lag Gai’

    PSL Ko ‘Nazar Lag Gai’









    *|MC:SUBJECT|*

    Hey, *|MERGE1|*. It’s March 5th. 
     
    Today’s forecast calls for sunshine in all major cities.

    It’s Friday, the weekend is here, enjoy the freedom. 

    Have a nice day! 
     

     

    Laila-The Current 

    Morning Meme

    What’s happening post-senate elections? ?

    A day after losing Hafeez Shaikh’s seat to PDM’s Yousaf Raza Gillani in the Senate, PM Khan addressed the nation.
     
    PM Khan says he will secure a vote of confidence on Saturday, asks party members to vote as per their conscience.

    He questioned the ECP on opposing open ballot after the Supreme Court order.

     Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto and PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz meet a day after PDM won the Senate seat in Islamabad.

    Earlier, Bilawal Bhutto had said it was the “beginning of the end” for the PTI government.

    Maryam Nawaz addressed a rally earlier and warned PM Khan that “you have no future, no party anymore.” 

    Watch

    Pakistan Super League postponed

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to rising COVID-19 cases among players and officials involved in the tournament.

    As many as seven players and one support staff official have tested positive for the virus which led to question marks over PCB’s bio-secure bubble arrangements and reservations from foreign players.

    Quetta Gladiator’s Tom Banton and Islamabad United’s Fawad Ahmed and Lewis Gregory were among the players who tested positive.

    Following the increase in cases, International players were also given the option to leave for their home countries with Karachi Kings’ Dan Christian expected to be the first to leave today.

    Read On

    ‘We cannot make saas-bahu dramas only,’ Yumna Zaidi tells PEMRA?

    Yumna Zaidi has hit back at the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for their notice on Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi (DNUTN), saying “we cannot make saas-bahu dramas only.”

    Speaking to BBC Urdu, Yumna said that she doesn’t understand why PEMRA would take notice on her ongoing drama’s content.

    “I was very disappointed [with PEMRA’s notice],” said Yumna. “I don’t understand what they want to promote [or show on television].”

    The actor further said: “Other projects of mine have also previously received notices from PEMRA [Pyaar Ke Sadkay] but this one hurt more. It should not have happened. I was not happy with that.”

    “We cannot make saas-bahu dramas only,” lamented the actor further. “We make romantic dramas also. Different genres are given space [on television]. So this [DNUTN] should also be given a small space.”
     

    Read On

    On this Day: 5th MarchDEATH OF SOVIET LEADER

     

     

    On this day, In 1953, Joseph Stalin died of a massive heart attack. He is remembered to this day as the man who helped save his nation from Nazi domination and as the mass murderer of the century having overseen the deaths of approximately 20 million of his own people.

    Our Entertainment editor Saman taking a quick nap at work, kyunke yeh sirf Kam Kam aur Kam krti hain. Also she loves green tea! ? 

    Current Baba’s prediction

     Today is not the best day to have an argument with anyone, kisi behas me parne se guraiz karein.

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  • England’s Alex Hales impressed with Pakistani food and hospitality

    England’s Alex Hales impressed with Pakistani food and hospitality

    Alex Hales has appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and food, referring to it as “excellent”.

    Responding to a tweet by senior sports journalist Saj Sadiq, who said that the English star may not have been happy with the quality of food served to him at breakfast, Hales said: “It was one meal where the order was incorrect…I found it funny, nothing more.”

    “The food and hospitality here has been excellent, hope this clears it up,” he added.

    https://twitter.com/AlexHales1/status/1367485390773436428?s=20

    Controversy erupted after Hales, who was playing for Islamabad United in the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), posted a picture of his breakfast, writing: “Toast, omelette and baked beans.”

    In the photo, two boiled eggs could be seen with a slice of toast and an unopened packet. Fans and social media users thought the cricketer was indirectly trolling the PCB. They also expressed their reservations over the condition of the egg and took shots at PCB for the poor quality of the food.

    However, the right-handed batsman was quick to make things clear, clarifying that there was no issue with the quality and that he posted the photo only because he found it funny.

    Meanwhile, PSL6 has been postponed indefinitely after seven positive cases of COVID-19 were detected in the bio-secure bubble.

  • ‘With you Captain’: Celebs extend support to PM Imran Khan

    ‘With you Captain’: Celebs extend support to PM Imran Khan

    After Pakistan Democratic Movement’s candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani emerged victorious against the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in the Senate Elections, Prime Minister Imran Khan in an address to the nation announced that he is going to seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly on Saturday. The premier said the vote of confidence will be held through the show of hand and that he will have no objection if any member of his party does not trust him, adding that his party would sit on opposition benches if they lose this time.

    Following his decision to seek a vote of confidence, celebrities including Shaan Shahid, Rohail Hyatt, Imran Abbas and Omair Rana have extended their support for the prime minister.

    “Whether you are in power or in opposition, the voice of truth, the voice of the people of Pakistan will always be spoken by you,” said Shaan. “Some battles lost cannot predict the outcome of the war.”

    “May you win the war of truth, honesty, hope and justice,” he added.

    Ace musician Rohail Hyatt expressed his faith in PM Khan said: “In my lifetime I have only had the privilege of calling one person my leader. This person is Imran Khan.”

    “Honestly outweighs everything else IMO. Setbacks aside, I am certain he will succeed in his mission IA,” he added.

    Hyatt further said that he got his “yess moment” after watching PM Khan’s address to the nation.

    Omair Rana of Pyar Ke Sadkay fame lauded PM Khan’s decision of taking the vote of confidence saying: “To hide behind a hypocrite one has to be smaller than him. Imran Khan is too big for these sell-outs and buyouts.”

    “With you my Captain,” he added.

    Other celebrities who extended their support include Veena Malik, Imran Abbas, Khadija Shah, Bilal Maqsood, Salman Ahmed and Farhan Saeed.

    https://twitter.com/khadijah_shah/status/1367732648341364742?s=20

  • Health experts suggest excessive consumption of biryani can cause diabetes

    Health experts suggest excessive consumption of biryani can cause diabetes

    Health experts have warned that poor eating habits, especially the excessive consumption of rice in the form of biryani and carbonated drinks can be one of the leading causes of diabetes in Pakistan.

    According to experts, the excessive consumption of rice and carbonated sodas must be stopped to prevent diabetes.

    Speaking at the launching ceremony of the Diabetes Discovering Project, Internal Medicine Specialist and Endocrinologist Professor Tasnim Ahsan said that the country was facing a “diabetes epidemic”.

    Professor Tasnim said, “Everything unhealthy we eat [nowadays] should be avoided, especially rice in the form of biryani, soft drinks and so-called fast food.”

    “More than 50 per cent of people with diabetes are unaware of their health condition and only find out when their eyes, kidneys, heart or brain have been severely damaged,” the Professor said, adding that “precaution is better than cure.”

    Diabetes expert Professor Zaman Sheikh, while talking about the disease said: “The disease is threatening thousands of lives in Pakistan every year but unfortunately most people are ignorant of the causes of the disease and consider it a small problem.”

    “When people come to us with diabetes after living for many years, many of their vital organs have already suffered badly,” he said, asserting that “diabetes causes permanent damage to the eyes and kidneys and  can even lead to heart attacks  and fatal strokes.”

    Professor Javed Iqbal, a laparoscopic surgeon, said that lack of awareness about health issues is no less than a crime, as diseases like diabetes are quietly causing irreparable harm to people.

    He advised Pakistanis to change their eating habits, diet and lifestyle and get tested for diabetes as soon as possible.

    Haroon Qasim, Managing Director, Pharmevo, on the Diabetes Discovering Project, said that a helpline service has been developed under the project so that people can know the nature of diabetes on their own and consult diabetes experts in the country.

    “We believe that the healthy lifestyle should be a part of Pakistan’s school curriculum as more than 26% of the people in the country have diabetes and every child knows it,” he said.

  • Najam Sethi highlights problems, suggests solutions for PSL6 resumption

    Former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi has criticised the board and the management of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the way the sixth edition of the tournament was handled. In a series of tweets, Sethi, who launched the league in 2016, highlighted the problems and suggested some solutions to resume the event with better planning.

    “Bio-secure bubble for six teams, support staff, commentators, broadcast teams, etc is very difficult,” said Sethi. “It should have been outsourced to [a] competent [and] professional third-party like Ministry of Health, Security Agencies as during IPL in Dubai, NZ, SL, etc.”

    Highlighting the problems, Sethi said: “COVID tests were not done regularly. In fact, the broadcast teams, ground staff at stadium and hotels, etc were outside the bubble while being in constant touch and contact with players.”

    Sethi also said that the reputation, trust and credibility of PSL and PCB has suffered and “big damage has been done, especially with foreign teams and players”.

    He further said: “Commercial interests of all partners, sponsors, franchises, rights holders, etc in PSL 6 have suffered enormously. They will claim damages and conflict will arise.” The former chairperson feared that PSL might go bankrupt given the losses suffered.

    Presenting a list of solutions, Sethi suggested that PCB should make immediate arrangements to shift the remaining matches of PSL6 to United Arab Emirates (UAE), take franchises and other contracted parties into confidence and assure them that PCB will bear the full cost of this arrangement and convince foreign players for availability in UAE.

    Earlier, when the league was postponed, the former Chairman expressed his disappointment over the development saying: “We — the people, media, security agencies, franchises and players — built PSL brand with sweat, blood and tears.”

    “The nation is reeling with despair and outrage at criminal negligence by this PCB Admin that has disrupted the tournament,” he added.

  • Biden nominates Pakistani-American as Deputy Administrator of Small Business Administration

    Biden nominates Pakistani-American as Deputy Administrator of Small Business Administration

    President of the United State (US) Joe Biden has nominated Dilawar Syed to serve as the Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

    Sharing the news on social media, the Pakistani-American said that he is humbled and honoured by President Biden’s nomination.

    “If confirmed by the US Senate, I will put my heart and soul into helping small businesses everywhere in these challenging times. Their grit makes America strong,” wrote Syed.

    Syed is currently serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lumiata, an artificial intelligence (AI) for a healthcare company that is focused on reducing healthcare costs and improving outcomes of medical processes.

    “Syed has driven civic efforts at the federal, state, and local level focusing on economic growth and entrepreneurship,” read a statement by the White House.

    Syed immigrated to the US from Pakistan as a freshman student to attend The College of Wooster in Ohio. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and earned a B.A. in Economics and Computer Science from The University of Texas at Austin.

  • ECP rejects PM’s reservations on Senate elections

    ECP rejects PM’s reservations on Senate elections

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a statement rejecting the “discussion and unhappiness” over the way Senate polls were conducted.

    “It is a shocking matter that under the same staff in the same [election] under the same roof on the same day, [what they won] is acceptable and [what they lost] is unacceptable. Is this not [an] open contradiction?” questioned the commission.

    A day earlier, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had criticised the election watchdog for allowing “foul play” in the elections for the upper house of the parliament.

    “The ECP rejects this,” Friday’s statement added. “This is democracy and free elections and the beauty of free elections which the entire nation saw and which is mandated by the Constitution.”

    Every political party and politician should have the courage to accept its defeat, it said.

    The electoral body said that if someone disagreed with the ECP’s results, they should come forward with evidence.

    “We have neither come under pressure from anybody and neither will we [do so in the future].”

    The ECP’s statement came after an urgent meeting was convened following the premier’s accusations.