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  • Textile industry marks record growth after 10 years

    Textile industry marks record growth after 10 years

    The textile industry in Pakistan has achieved a record increase of 26% growth in quantitative terms after 10 years, according to a statement issued by All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA).

    APTMA states that the growth did not directly reflect in dollar amounts due to a substantial worldwide decrease in textile prices, however, if this growth in quantity had not been achieved the exports would have been less than $ 8.5 billion as the international prices have now recovered.

    Further records reveal that the profits of companies were over 5% and that the companies have posted a turnover of $ 16 billion out of which $ 13.3 billion was exported and $ 2.8 billion were sold in the domestic market.

    The industry has contributed a total of Rs40 billion to the exchequer through income tax as well as various other indirect taxes and levies of over Rs 35 billion.

    As a result of the profits posted, the industry has strong balance sheets and an equity fund of $ 1 billion earned directly from the international market. These funds can be leveraged to invest at least $ 4 billion in the next year alone.

  • Everyday-use items dirtier than toilet seats

    Everyday-use items dirtier than toilet seats

    We all think that there is nothing dirtier than toilet seats; we keep wipes in case we need to use the washroom at a public place or our offices or even at a friend’s place. Well, you’re wrong. There are other everyday items that are dirtier than our toilet seats!

    Smartphones

    A lot of us use our smartphones on the toilet. This means that our smartphone screens could be covered in 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Clean your smartphones with anti-bacterial wipes if you use them in the washroom.

    Make-up bags & brushes

    Make-up bags and accessories often harbour bacteria. If you use brushes that have contact with your skin and then put them back into the same bag, you’re transferring germs from your skin to the bag and then back again when you reuse them. Make sure to wash your brushes and clean out your kit at least once a week.

    Filters in washing machine & fridge

    The purpose of filters is to trap all the dirt and debris that make its way through the system, it is inevitable that these filters eventually get overloaded and clogged. Make sure you clean out the lint catcher in your washing machine and the filter tray under your fridge, as both are prone to building up germs.

    Side of ovens

    Ovens that are built-in are vulnerable to food spillage that falls from the pan and down the side of the oven. This not only leaves bad odour but also creates bacteria. The only way to clean this is by taking the oven out of where it is placed and thoroughly cleaning it.

  • Nawaz’s assets jumped from Rs2.7 million to Rs1.8 billion in 20 years of politics: report

    Nawaz’s assets jumped from Rs2.7 million to Rs1.8 billion in 20 years of politics: report

    Ousted prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s assets jumped from Rs2.7 million to Rs1.82 billion in twenty years of his political career from 1993 to 2013, media reports have revealed.

    As per the details, Nawaz owned assets worth Rs 261.6 million in 2012, but that saw a six-fold increase and reached Rs 1.82 billion in 2013 — the first year of his third stint as the country’s chief executive, making him a declared billionaire for the first time.

    His assets in 2014 crossed the Rs2 billion-mark, but in 2015 declined slightly to Rs1.96 billion. Earlier in 2011, he owned assets worth Rs166m.

    According to the statements of assets of lawmakers, released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in 2017, the value of his assets further declined to Rs1.72 billion in the year that ended on June 30, 2016.

    The former premier, however, only owned assets worth Rs2.7 million by the year 1993, media reports said.

    Citing the details submitted to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in the assets beyond known sources of income and money laundering cases against the Sharif family, a private media outlet claimed that Nawaz’s total assets in 1986 stood at a bit over Rs0.13 million.

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    The assets kept on increasing over the years, the report said, adding that Nawaz’s assets rose by only Rs23,319 in 1986. “According to FBR records, the same swelled by Rs98,588 in 1987.”

    These assets also included those owned by his children, the report claimed.

  • Ellen DeGeneres faces flak over friendship with George Bush

    Ellen DeGeneres faces flak over friendship with George Bush

    Ever since American talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and former US President George W Bush were spotted watching an NFL game in Dallas, social media and Hollywood is divided. Ellen has been severely criticised for hanging out with a former US president, under whose watch terrible human rights violations were committed in Iraq. Twitter users took to call Bush a “war criminal.”

    However, Ellen was not having any of it and defended herself on her show.

    “Here’s the thing: I’m friends with George Bush,” she said. “In fact, I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the same beliefs that I have. We’re all different, and I think we’ve forgotten that that’s OK that we’re all different.”

    She continued, “Just because I don’t agree with someone on everything doesn’t mean that I’m not going to be friends with them. When I say, ‘Be kind to one another’, I don’t mean only the people that think the same way that you do. I mean, be kind to everyone. It doesn’t matter.”

    DeGeneres also explained how she ended up sitting next to Bush. She said that she and wife Portia de Rossi arrived at the stadium in Arlington, Texas, as guests of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. She went on to share a video she took of Bush reclining in his chair between her and Laura Bush in the Cowboys private suite.

    Some Hollywood bigwigs including Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Bell and Gwen Stefani were quick to back the host.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Yn1M0Hn9p/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Meanwhile others including the Hulk, Mark Ruffalo gave a strong response to Ellen’s statements.

    https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1181947851502317569?s=20
  • Pakistani designers Duchess Kate should consider wearing

    Pakistani designers Duchess Kate should consider wearing

    After Kate Middleton made a statement at the Agha Khan event last week in teal clothes and earrings by Pakistani brand Zeen, which by the way, sold out within minutes, all eyes are on the Duchess and what she will be wearing on her four-day tour to Pakistan. It is quite likely that she will be donning outfits by Pakistani designers and we cannot wait to see her in a simple shalwar kameez.

    To help the Duchess, here are five Pakistani designers that she should consider wearing.

    Amna Chaudhry

    Karachi-based designer Amna Chaudhry’s clothes have an understated elegance about them which quite matches Kate’s own personal style. We recommend her to wear the black outfit Mahira Khan wore.

    Bunto Kazmi

    Given that Kate will be heading to the mountainous North in fall, a Bunto shawl is an absolute essential. Not only will it look beautiful, but it will also keep the Duchess warm when the night gets cold.

    Élan

    When it comes to glamourous formal wear, we couldn’t think of anyone other than Élan. We’d love to see Kate in an embellished kaftan or cape from the brand.

    Generation

    Generation is the best when it comes to quintessential Pakistani clothes – traditional and ethnic. A churidar pyjama or shalwar kameez by Generation should be on Kate’s rack. We can totally imagine her posing at Badshahi Masjid in traditional attire.

    Lulusar

    Trendy and modern, Kate can wear an outfit by Lulusar for her business meetings and other day events.

  • Beat anxiety: 5 foods that help reduce anxiety

    Beat anxiety: 5 foods that help reduce anxiety

    Stress and anxiety are feelings that one battles on a regular basis – whether at home or in the workplace. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is an emotion characterised by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.

    Though medication is often required as treatment, there are many simple ways you can follow to control the feeling and reduce the pressure you feel. For example by exercising, deep breathing or lighting a scented candle. Apart from that, there are some foods you can eat to lower the anxiety mostly due to their brain-boosting properties.

    On World Mental Health Day, here are a list of food items that might help you reduce stress and anxiety.

    Turmeric

    Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, a compound
    known for its role in promoting brain health and preventing anxiety disorders.
    Curcumin also has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that
    have been shown to prevent damage to brain cells.

    Yogurt

    If you suffer from social anxiety, yogurt is a great food to include in your diet. The probiotics (healthy bacteria) found in yogurt can improve your mental health.

    Note that not all yogurt contains probiotics. For the benefits of probiotics, choose a yogurt that has “live active cultures” mentioned in the ingredients.

    Almonds

    Research has shown that magnesium may be an effective treatment for anxiety-related symptoms. Just 1 ounce of almonds (almost 12 nuts)­ contains 75mg of magnesium which is brilliant for reducing anxiety and stress. You can also find magnesium in foods such as seeds, and avocado.

    Dark Chocolate

    Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that may benefit
    brain function.

    They do this by improving blood flow to the brain and
    promoting its ability to cope with stressful situations. These effects may
    allow you to adjust better to the stressful situations that can lead to anxiety
    and other mood disorders.

    Some researchers also suggest that dark chocolate’s role
    in brain health may simply be due to its taste, which can be comforting for
    those with mood disorders.

    However, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation,
    as it is high in calories and easy to overeat. 1–1.5 ounces is a reasonable
    serving size.

    Eggs

    Eggs have serotonin in them. Serotonin is a chemical
    neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, sleep, memory, and behavior.
    Serotonin is also thought to improve brain function and relieve anxiety.

  • Azadi March: PML-N asks PTI govt to provide container, tents and biryani

    Azadi March: PML-N asks PTI govt to provide container, tents and biryani

    A lawmaker of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has submitted in the Punjab Assembly a resolution demanding a container, tents and biryani from the government for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) forthcoming Azadi Marchi.

    “Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had promised giving opposition parties a container, tents and biryani for their sit-in after his election as the country’s chief executive,” PML-N’s Uzma Bukhari stated in the resolution submitted to the secretariat of the provincial house.

    Speaking to journalists earlier this year, the premier had said if the opposition wanted to stage a protest, his government was “ready to provide them a container at D-Chowk”.

    “We [the now ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf] staged a sit-in for 126 days, let’s see for how many days can the opposition protest,” he had said, challenging his rivals to launch a movement.

    The resolution in the Punjab Assembly comes after JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s announcement to set out on a long march against the government on October 31, which will culminate in the capital, where the party also plans to hold a sit-in.

    With Fazl repeatedly reminding the government of its promise to provide the protesters with said facilities, the resolution by the PML-N leader has also demanded the same.

  • Resolution in Punjab Assembly wants Sarfaraz fired

    Resolution in Punjab Assembly wants Sarfaraz fired

    A day after Sri Lanka humiliated Pakistan with a 3-0 win in the T20 series marking the former’s return to the country ever since the 2009 bus attack, a resolution in the Punjab Assembly has sought skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed’s removal from the national cricket team.

    “The team that tops the global T20 rankings, has lost from a team that sits at the eighth spot,” read the resolution submitted by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Malik Zaheer Iqbal.

    Seeking Sarfaraz’s removal from the team, the resolution further demanded an investigation into Pakistan’s whitewash against a comparatively inexperienced team like Sri Lanka.

    Earlier, head coach, chief selector and former national cricket team captain Misbahul Haq conceded that the defeat had been a “wake-up call for the team”.

    Pakistan have been humbled thrice in Lahore, losing the first game by 64 runs, the second by 35 and the third by 13 runs, to a Sri Lankan side missing some of their top players, such as Lasith Malinga, Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews.

    “This was an eye-opener for us and you as well. The way we go after the seniors, and what we did in the World Cup. We forget their performances,” said Misbah at a presser in Lahore as he appeared to blame the team’s naivety and struggles against spin bowling the reason for the defeat.

    Sarfaraz, who came in to bat at number four and scored 17 off 16 balls before throwing away his wicket, appeared to pin the responsibility of the failed run chase on his partner Haris Sohail.

    He has earlier been trained guns at also for his poor performance at the 2019 World Cup, which was followed by a campaign seeking his removal as the captain.

  • World Bank to give $10 million to help solve Karachi’s waste problem

    World Bank to give $10 million to help solve Karachi’s waste problem

    The World Bank (WB), on the recommendation of Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah, has allocated $10 million to help solve Karachi’s garbage problem through the Sindh Solid Waste Management Authority (SSWMA), Profit reported.

    According to the details, the allocated amount will be used for capacity building, technical expertise and construction of a new landfill site for the SSWMA.

    CM Murad held a meeting with an eight-member WB delegation on Wednesday, where he said, “It is a new organisation and would definitely take time to achieve expertise, but even then there is a dire need to operate in a scientific manner and make it a leading SWM organisation in the country.”

    At this, WB Global Director Dr Dameh said that in Karachi Neighbourhood Improvement Programme (KNIP) there was a provision for solid waste management and agreed to help in solving the city’s waste problem.

    The provincial chief executive also said that he was keen to develop a most modern and environment-friendly landfill site on the outskirts of the city.

    “This landfill site must be equipped with all the necessary machinery, gadgets, equipment and technical staff and useful for power generation,” he added.

    Moreover, on the request of the CM, the World Bank agreed to construct a landfill site over an area of 500 acres in the outskirts of the city for which the government would provide land.

  • COMSATS registrar says no one responsible for student’s death

    COMSATS registrar says no one responsible for student’s death

    COMSATS University registrar Dr Fahim has said that no one is responsible for the death of student Inam ul Haq Javed and that no one could be held accountable for it.

    The registrar said that the student of Islamabad’s COMSATS University died after suffering a heart attack. Dr Fahim said that Inam had come out from a classroom after giving a group presentation when he fell unconscious and had a heart attack.

    According to details, some students came to him and started rubbing his hands. They told the guard to get an ambulance to take him to a nearby hospital.

    A university vehicle reached the spot and the student was taken to the university’s medical center, from where he was shifted to the National Institute of Health, which is five minutes away from the university. The doctors declared him dead on arrival.

    Meanwhile, Inam’s classmates claimed that the university administration didn’t provide them any help in taking him to a hospital and even prevented an ambulance from entering the university premises. They added that there was also no first aid available on the campus because of which Javed’s condition worsened.

    Students of the university on Friday protested and blamed the administration for their class fellow’s death. Javed was the only son of his parents. He had two sisters.

    Dr Fahim shared that an investigation committee has been formed to look into the matter and that “we will see which teacher stopped an ambulance from entering the varsity.”

    More than 9,000 students study at the campus for which
    only three doctors have been appointed. Two sit in the morning and one in the
    evening. These doctors handle cases of minor accidents.