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  • Nadia Khan praises ‘Barzakh’ for breaking away from traditional saas-bahu dramas

    Nadia Khan praises ‘Barzakh’ for breaking away from traditional saas-bahu dramas

    Asim Abbasi’s Barzakh, with big names including Salman Shahid, Fawad Khan, Mohammad Fawad Khan, and Sanam Saeed, has grabbed all the headlines since its release on Zee Zindagi’s YouTube. Fans can be found online discussing themes and episodes.

    Recently television host Nadia Khan also shared her review. During her show ‘Kya Drama Hai’ on Channel 24,

    Nadia said, “There are five reasons why you should watch the web series ‘Barzakh’. Firstly, it marks Fawad Khan’s comeback after a long time, which is a big deal. Additionally, the pairing of Fawad and Sanam is a hit and it’s been a while since we’ve seen them together. The theme of the series is also unique as it’s an international platform, which means there are no restrictions on language, clothing, or scenes. This makes it a relief for those who are tired of the usual saas-bahu and family dramas. Lastly, the series has a dark and mysterious tone with a murder mystery that will keep you engaged.”

    Here is the link to what Nadia Khan said about Barzakh:

  • New report reveals surge in gender-based violence cases, low conviction rates

    New report reveals surge in gender-based violence cases, low conviction rates

    A report released by the Law and Justice Com­m­ission of Pakistan (LJCP) reveals an increase in gender-based violence across Pakistan.

    The report also notes an increase in pending gender violence cases in the courts.

    The number of pending gender violence cases rose from 21,891 to 39,665 in 2023.

    In Punjab, the number of pending gender violence cases increased by 100 percent, while Sindh saw a three percent increase, KP experienced a 14 percent rise, Balochistan had a two percent increase, and Islamabad saw a one percent rise.

    Most cases of gender-based violence involve sexual assault, and pending cases also include kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder of women.

    Crimes committed using electronic means related to gender cases have also increased, while economically motivated crimes have decreased.

    According to the report, the conviction rate for those involved in gender crimes is only five percent, and the acquittal rate for accused individuals in gender crimes is 64 percent.

    Additionally, 480 special courts were established in 2019 to address gender-based crimes across the country.

  • Mohisn Naqvi finds drunkards sleeping in Islamabad police station

    Mohisn Naqvi finds drunkards sleeping in Islamabad police station

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a surprise visit to Kahna police station in Islamabad, where he found drunkards sleeping in one of the rooms.

    Geo News reported that Naqvi reached Kahna police station without informing police officials. There, he found investigating officers absent from the room where petitioners were seated. Upon inquiring about why the officers were absent, the sub-inspector could not answer any of his questions.

    The interior Minister visited the front desk and lockup cell and asked questions about the cases of arrested people. He also expressed disgust over the smell of cigarette smoke in the front desk room.

    In one of the rooms, he found two sleeping drunkards, and the interior minister tried to wake them up but couldn’t.

    Mohsin Naqvi was angry upon seeing the condition of the police station and also suggested that there is no justification for parking so many motorcycles there; most should be returned to the owners.

    The Interior Minister ordered the release of the four people arrested on charges of parking their cart in the wrong place after completing the necessary legal process.

    Naqvi asked to address the requests of all the petitioners instead of making them wait that long.

  • Hungarian boxer shares insulting posts against Algeria’s Imane Khelif before match

    Hungarian boxer shares insulting posts against Algeria’s Imane Khelif before match

    The controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has intensified, with Hungarian boxer Luca Hamori shared insulting posts on Instagram before their match.

    Read this: Social media rallies behind Imane Khelif as racism over Muslim boxer turns ugly

    Later, she was forced to remove them from her social media account after being heavily criticized.

    The Algerian Olympic Committee strongly protested against the issue and wrote a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), stating, “The Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee concludes to the knowledge of national and international public opinion, that follows the official complaint submitted today by our Olympic body to the International Olympic Committee, regarding the violation and serious violation of sport ethics and affecting the Olympic Charter, in the person of our champion Imane Khelif, by one of the participants in the boxing tournament for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 The International Olympic Committee has issued a final apology to violators with an order to delete every post that concerns our heroine Iman Khalif.”

    “We reserve the right to prosecute everyone who participated in the heinous campaign against the heroine Imane Khelif. Good luck to our heroine, and long live.”

    The fight between Algerian woman boxer Imane and Hungary’s Luca Hamori is scheduled today. In the first fight, Imane defeated Angela Carini in just 46 seconds after the Italian conceded, crying on her knees in the ring while refusing to shake her opponent’s hands.

    The International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Imane based on an unspecified test. But the Olympics committee has clarified that she is a biological woman but born with “elevated levels of testosterone.”

  • Bangladesh bans Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, other social media platforms

    Bangladesh bans Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, other social media platforms

    The government of Bangladesh has put a nationwide ban on Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, and other social media owned by Meta, as well as YouTube, Global Eye News confirmed on X (Formerly Twitter).

    This follows a previous shutdown of Meta’s platforms, like Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, from July 17 to July 31 due to protests about quota reforms.

    Mobile internet was first turned off on July 17, and broadband was shut down on July 18. Broadband services started working again after five days, on July 23, while mobile networks stayed off for ten days and were turned back on July 28.

    This new shutdown was announced shortly after Turkey banned Instagram.

  • What is the government’s new name for the TTP?

    What is the government’s new name for the TTP?

    Journalist Iftikhar Firdous has posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Pakistan’s interior ministry has ordered all government officials to use the term “Fitna al Khawarij” (FaK) for the banned terrorist organisation Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in all official documents.

    According to the notification issued by the interior ministry, TTP has tried to damage Islam by distorting its image.

    Historically, the Kharijites were an Islamic sect which emerged during the first civil war, called the First Fitna, in the Islamic community.

    The website Islamqa.info defines Khawarij as followers of whims and desires who have deviated from the path of Sunnat.

    Social media reacted sarcastically to this government decision.

  • PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to bring electricity prices down

    PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to bring electricity prices down

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing electricity bills amid ongoing protests across Pakistan over soaring power costs.

    Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Friday, PM Shehbaz emphasised that the issue of electricity tariffs should not be politicised, describing such actions as an insult to the public.

    PM Shehbaz’s comments come in response to widespread demonstrations led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and other groups. Protesters, who have rallied in various cities and blocked major roads, are demanding the removal of taxes that have contributed to a significant increase in electricity bills.

    The escalating energy costs have particularly burdened low- and middle-income households.

    Despite negotiations between the government and protest leaders, there has been no indication that their demands will be met. JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has stated that the party is prepared to maintain its protests to oppose the government’s stance on rising electricity prices.

    The federal government implemented a 26 per cent increase in electricity rates for the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30. On July 13, an additional 20 per cent hike was introduced, compounding the financial strain on consumers already grappling with high inflation.

    Experts have suggested that no immediate reduction in electricity prices is expected due to the government’s reliance on energy and petroleum products as sources of revenue.

    During the cabinet meeting, Sharif acknowledged the financial burden on the salaried class, revealing that the government has allocated Rs50 billion to support consumers through July, August, and September.

    Additionally, he noted that the government has reduced electricity costs for industries by Rs8.5 per unit and continues to protect consumers using up to 200 units of electricity.

    Sharif emphasised that while some taxation is necessary, excessive tax burdens on taxpayers are not justified.

  • Ishq-e-Bilal: Five unforgettable dramas starring Bilal Abbas Khan

    Ishq-e-Bilal: Five unforgettable dramas starring Bilal Abbas Khan

    Actor Bilal Abbas Khan has made a name for himself as a fearless and versatile actor who continually challenges barriers in the roles he chooses (we obviously love him). He is now preparing himself to captivate audiences in ‘Mann Jogi.’
     
    Here are the five of Bilal Abbas’ most unforgettable performances:
     
     
    O’ Rangreza
     
    Bilal played a tough character in O’ Rangreza. The drama is about a man who is obsessed with a famous actress and treats his wife badly. His daughter tries to win his approval by copying the actress and being the perfect child. The drama is written by Saji Gul and directed by Kashif Nisar.

    Cheekh
     
    Cheekh is written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Badar Mehmood, The main plot of Cheekh is the trials and tribulations of a woman, Mannat, who seeks justice for the murder of her friend, Nayyab.
    Bilal Abbas Khan delivered a remarkable performance, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. His character, Wajih Taseer, remains one of his most memorable roles, alongside seasoned actors Saba Qamar. Bilal also got nominated for Best Actor at the Hum Style Awards for his role.

     
     
    Pyar Ke Sadqay
     
    The story of Pyar Ke Saday is of Abdullah and Mahjabeen, who are madly in love with each other and attempt to overcome several challenges while trying to be together . They come together in the unexpected arranged marriage. The drama is written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Farooq Rind. Bilal played the character of Abdullah, a sensitive and emotional young man.

     
    Ishq Murshid  
     
    Bilal Abbas’s recent hit drama Ishq Murshid can’t be missed. He played two characters in the drama as Shameer Sikander and Fazal Baksh. Abbas played both characters really well. The drama received was a huge success, reaching the highest TRP and massive views on YouTube. Bilal and Dur-e-Fishan Saleem (Shibra) chemistry was praised and loved by fans. Ishq Murshid is written by Abdul Khaliq Khan and directed by Farooq Rind.

    Mann Jogi
    An upcoming drama, Bilal will be appearing along with Sabeena Farooq and Mirza Gohar Rasheed. Bilal will be playing the role of a spiritual leader in Mann Jogi. The drama is written by acclaimed writer Zafar Mairaj and directed by Kashif Nisar.

  • We’ll win next time: Five out of seven Pakistani athletes out of the Olympics

    We’ll win next time: Five out of seven Pakistani athletes out of the Olympics

    One more Pakistani athletes has been eliminated from the Paris Olympics, after Faiqa Riaz was eliminated from the women’s 100-meter race.

    Faiqa, who set a new national record of 11.70 seconds at the National Athletics Championship, finished sixth out of nine athletes at the Olympics, covering the distance in 12.49 seconds.

    Earlier, Pakistani swimmers Jehanara Nabi and Ahmed Durrani and shooters Kishmala Talat and Joseph Gulfam were eliminated.

  • Gold price hits all-time high of Rs257,300 after Rs2,400 surge per tola

    Gold price hits all-time high of Rs257,300 after Rs2,400 surge per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan soared to a record high following remarks from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who suggested that an interest rate cut might be considered as early as September.

    The price of 24-karat gold surged by Rs2,400, reaching Rs257,300 per tola. On the international stage, spot gold prices climbed to around $2,460 per ounce, marking a 3 per cent increase for the week.

    Powell, speaking at a press conference after the Fed’s decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate, indicated that if economic data remains favourable, the central bank could potentially reduce interest rates during its next meeting on September 17-18.

    In Pakistan, 24-karat gold has risen by Rs37,300 per tola, or 17 per cent, since the start of the year. This compares to a 24.5 per cent gain in the country’s key stock index over the same period.

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported the price of 24-karat gold at Rs220,593 per 10-gramme, up by Rs2,057. Additionally, 22-karat gold was priced at Rs202,210 per 10-gramme.

    Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market remained stable, with 24-karat silver selling for Rs2,900 per tola and Rs2,486 per 10-gramme.