The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has witnessed a 0.63 per cent decrease on a weekly basis, said a statement issued by the central bank.
After the decrease due to external debt repayments, the reserves held by the SBP stood at $12,949.1 million, down $82 million, during the week ended on February 4. The SBP reserves were recorded at $13,031.2 million in the previous week.
Similarly, the foreign exchange reserves of commercial banks also slightly dropped to $7.124 billion from $7.131 billion.
Earlier this week, Pakistan had approached China to seek relief in debt repayment, a report had claimed. Pakistan had made an informal request to ease terms on the repayment of debt on about a dozen power plants set up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor over the past eight years, Bloomberg had reported.
“The parties have canvassed Beijing’s willingness to stagger debt payments, as opposed to lowering equity returns,” the report said, adding that Pakistan has yet to make a formal offer. The report had claimed that “Pakistan will formally make the request…after it concludes deals with those local power producers to reduce electricity tariffs”.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love sure is in the air…
The video of an Indian professor dodging his wife’s kiss while on a Zoom conference has gone viral over the internet.
The man, who was seen talking about GDP in the video, then calls his partner’s romantic move as “foolish and nonsense”.
The wife in the clip seems unaware that the husband is in the middle of a conference.
Visibly in distress, and with the striking response, the professor quickly pulls himself away. “What nonsense you’re doing here?” he can be heard as asking his wife.
Karachi-based fashion designer Wardha Saleem who designed Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari’s nikkah outfit has revealed that the jora took over 7000 hours to make.
In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, the designer shared the process that went behind designing the gold outfit and also addressed rumours surrounding the dress.
“She [Bakhtawar] was very clear what she wanted,” revealed Wardha, adding that the bride wanted to wear a colour combination similar to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s white and gold wedding dress but also wanted it to reflect her own personality.
The designer also revealed that 90 craftsmen were involved in making the dress and that it took over 7000 hours to complete because it all the embroidery was done with the hand.
“If you calculate in normal working hours this goes to about 6 to 7 months,” said Wardha, adding that the craftsmen worked in double shifts of 24 hours, reducing the preparation time to two and a half months.
Wardha further said that Bakhtawar was the dream bride as she was very cooperative and did not interfere in the process, adding that she had complete trust in her [Wardha].
The designer also revealed that she also designed Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari’s outfits for Bakhtawar’s mehndi and reception.
Meanwhile, Bakhtawar’s makeup artist Shamain also opened up about her nikkah look saying: “It was a pleasure to be the wedding makeup artist for the delightful Bakhtawar.”
“Bakhtawar requested subtle and glowing looks, that felt very much in line with who she is. Getting to know Bakhtawar in the process, and her genuine love for art and culture, I was inspired to create a natural glowing look, which was complemented by sleek, modern hair- stylish and standout, like the lovely bride herself,” said Shamain further.
Bakhtawar and Mahmood Choudhry tied the knot on January 29 in an intimate nikkah ceremony at Bilawal House. The nikkah was preceded by a mehndi and followed by a grand reception.
Ahmed Mujtaba, who defeated India’s Rahul Raju in only 56 seconds in the first round of the mixed martial arts (MMA) competition ONE Championship, called on Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar.
The chief military spokesperson presented him with a shield in honour of his achievement.
In a tweet, Mujtaba said, “I am humbled by the encouragement and support. I request our youth to have faith in Allah & follow the principles of hard work and commitment.”
Pakistan and India had earlier clashed in the championship in November 2019. Raju had won that match by submitting Pakistan’s Furqan Cheema in the second round.
A video of a girl vacationing in Northern Pakistan while saying “Yeh humari party ho rahi hai” has gone viral on with various memes and recreations of the video popping up on social media.
Soon after, Saba Qamar recreated the same video and shared it on her Instagram. In the video, Saba can be seen mimicking the girl along with her friend.
On the work front, Saba recently finished shooting for her upcoming project Manjogi, an upcoming web series expected to release on Zee5. It has been written by Saji Gul and directed by Kashif Nisar and also features Naumaan Ijaz besides Saba.
Shailja Kejriwal, who is producing Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir’s upcoming web series Dhoop Ki Deewar, has shared pictures of the actors from the sets of the series.
“For all Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly fans,” wrote Kejriwal in the caption. “Dekhein set pe kitna kaam ho raha hai!“
“Ab ki baar thoda intezaar,” she added hinting that the web series will be releasing soon.
As per details, the series follows the story of two teenagers whose lives change forever overnight.
Besides Sajal and Ahad, other actors who play key roles in the series include Adnan Jaffer, Zara Tareen, Paras Masroor, Hammad Siddiqui, Ainy Zaidi, Salma Hasan, Lubna Aslam, Raza Talish, Samiya Mumtaz and Zaib Rehman.
Written by Umera Ahmad, Dhoop Ki Deewar is directed and co-produced by Haseeb Hassan under the banner of Hamdan Films along with Shailja. Haseeb is one of the leading directors in the industry with popular drama serials including Nanhi, Mann Mayal as well as feature film Parwaaz Hai Junoon to his credit.
Earlier, while speaking to The Current, Haseeb had shared his experience of shooting the series, saying that he had total creative liberty with the project.
“It had creative input but I enjoyed total liberty which was becoming a challenge in the [local] industry each passing day,” said Hassan. “Indeed there were better budgets which justified enabling to achieve the required product and standards,” adding that the budget was “not crazy enough to buy an aeroplane”.
An 80-year-old man has married his 75-year-old beloved after two feuding families made peace with each other.
According to details, Attar Mio married his childhood love Naziran Bibi proving that true love conquers everything.Both the citizens are from the village of Manurian in Kangangpur.
Attar Mio and Naziran Bibi fell in love when they were young but could not get married due to strong opposition from Attar Mio’s family. Mio had to let go of his desire to marry his love at the time because of the intense feud between the families.
After waiting all these years, he finally extended his proposal to Naziran Bibi’s family in 2021, following which the two got married.
Shoaib Akhtar has come under fire for mocking and ridiculing the anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former cricketer had trashed Groove Mera, calling it the worst anthem ever. He also said that he uses the song to put his children to sleep as they are scared of it.
Following Akhtar’s comments, several celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), Hira Mani, Ahmed Ali Butt and Wasim Akram stepped forward to defend the song. Though they did not name Akhtar directly, they subtly shaded him for his comments.
“Least we can do for our artists is respect them,” said Adnan. “It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces.”
“Naseebo Lal doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” added the actor.
Least we can do for our artists is respect them. It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces. How ungrateful to forget so conveniently all the melodious songs Naseebo Lal has given us. #groovemera doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this
Sharing his thoughts on the brouhaha, Wasim Akram said: “Hope all this well. Aap log theek hain, exercise kar rahay hain or mou chukk kay criticise kar rahy ho har cheez nu. That’s you guys.”
“Abhi mene PSL anthem pay bohat saray views sunay or theek hai, har aik ki marzi hoti hai magar ennay Tan Sen therday ni tussi, har gal tey bolna hai. Tareef na karna tussi,” he added in Punjabi.
Sharing Wasim’s video on Twitter, Omair Rana said: “I love this man! Wasim Akram. Jewndy raho!”
HSY also praised Groove Mera, saying that he is listening to it on repeat.
#NaseeboLal sounds strong and her voice is iconic. Aima is killing it and the Young Stunners give it that contemporary punch making this first female led sports anthem all the more impactful. #groovemera is on repeat.
“When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly,” questioned Faysal Quraishi.
“Let’s go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things. I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes,” remarked the actor.
When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly . Song getting hate ? Lets go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things . I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will Rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes .
Similarly, in a detailed note posted on Instagram, Ahmed Ali Butt said: “For people who don’t know… Naseebo Lal is a Pakistani folk singer with over 30 years of singing experience. She never got the limelight that she deserved because most of her songs were during the “raunchy” Punjabi film era. But that does not change the fact that she is a Pakistani folk legend with hundreds of songs to her credit.”
“Groove Mera is a great song and a bold step by PCB. For all the people making fun of her pronunciation are the same people who love UK or Canadian Punjabi singers,” he said further. “So shut up and be proud of your nation’s talent. God knows you didn’t contribute to their success or hard work, so the least you can do is be respectful towards them.”
“Ab volume kholo or bolo…aaj vaykhay ga crowd mera groove TV tay,” he concluded.
Hira Mani, in a lengthy note posted to social media said: “We respect you madam. Bas yeh so-called elite burgers music critics internet kay dour kay hum jese chunnay munnay followers walay. Inko kia pata kay asal fan following houti kiya hai.”
Meanwhile, other celebrities, including Farhan Saeed, Anoushey Ashraf and Haroon Shahid directly responded to Akhtar for his comments.
“It’s his opinion, that’s ok! He has the right, but that’s a stupid opinion is what is my opinion,” stated Farhan Saeed.
“This song will be a winner in the stadiums, mark it,” he added.
Haroon Shahid also directly responded to Akhtar saying: “So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee.”
So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee!
In a later tweet, the singer-turned-actor said: “This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.”
This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.
PS. Groove by any definition does not mean Naali! We all know where this is stemming from. Pathetic to see such pettiness.Still love Shoaib for the bowler he was! pic.twitter.com/IAlTzgzmAg
Enough said on Shoaib Akhtar’s comments on the PSL 6 anthem. The fact is I’d stand behind if someone tried to disrespect him in the same manner. Peace! Let’s hope for a fantastic cricket competition once again. Pakistan Zindabad ❤️
Sharing her thoughts on the controversy, Anoushey Ashraf said: “Oh dear, this is in bad taste. One thing to not like a song, another thing to run down artists, musicians this way. Big fan of Shoaib Akhtar but not the way he’s bashing the anthem.”
Television actor, Naveed Raza also participated in the debate, commenting: “Learn to appreciate Shoaib Akhtar bhai. The worst virus is a human, dehumanising another human. Groove Mera is a solid stadium-feel song.”
Groove Mera is currently trending at number one on YouTube Pakistan with more than five million views till the filing of this report.
What did you think of Groove Mera? Let us know in the comments below.
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said that following an agreement with the hardliner Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), their demands will be put forward in the parliament.
According to reports, the premier, in a statement, said that the government spoke to TLP, and the party has decided to extend the “deadline” given to the government from February to April 20.
The demands put forth by TLP include the French ambassador’s deportation, ratification of the blasphemy bill, and a ban on French goods after blasphemous caricatures were published in France that had sparked protests across the Muslim world.
Late last year, hundreds of protesters in Pakistan, most of them led by TLP leaders, had burned effigies of France’s leader and chanted anti-French slogans, as President Emmanuel Macron had tried to send a message of understanding to Muslims around the world.
Smaller demonstrations in Lebanon, Turkey and India followed on anti-France protests across the Muslim world last week that were mostly led by Islamist groups, reported AP news agency.
The renewed protests had come after President Macron’s interview in which he said that he understood the shock Muslims felt at caricatures depicting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Macron was speaking with the Qatar-based Arabic TV station Al-Jazeera, where he also defended freedoms of expression and France’s secular values.
Just days before TLP chief Khadim Rizvi’s death, the protests had also turned ugly in Rawalpindi-Islamabad.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab lawmaker Khurram Laghari, who hails from Muzaffargarh, has parted ways with the ruling party over “the failure of the government to pay heed to the problems in his constituency”.
According to Laghari, he was not satisfied with the performance of the PTI-led provincial and federal governments. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan failed to make good on his promises; therefore, it was useless for him to stay in the PTI anymore.
Lagahri claimed that there were some other MPAs who were disgruntled with the Buzdar-led government and they would soon bid goodbye to the PTI as well. “I joined PTI after winning the election on an independent seat,” he said, adding that the promises made to him remained unfulfilled.
Laghari had joined PTI in July 2018 after winning the election after he was reportedly convinced by Tareen to join Imran-led party in Punjab.
In Oct 2020, the Punjab lawmaker had quit his posts as adviser to chief minister and member of price control committee because of the alleged non-cooperation of the bureaucracy, Dawn had reported.
However, it was alleged that Laghari was removed from the posts because of his contact with PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen. According to reports, Laghari said to be close to Ali Jahangir Tareen and visited him in Dubai thrice with Multan Sultan cricket team.
It may be noted here that the lawmaker quit the party a month ahead of the Senate elections slated to be held on March 13. The government has introduced an ordinance to hold elections by open vote instead of the secret ballot.
The opposition has challenged the ordinance in the courts, while, the Supreme Court, that is hearing a presidential reference with regards to the open ballot, said that it would have struck down the ordinance had it not been conditional.
