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  • Sahiwal hospital tragedy: 11 children lost, Maryam Nawaz’s orders thwarted by YDA-Police clash

    Sahiwal hospital tragedy: 11 children lost, Maryam Nawaz’s orders thwarted by YDA-Police clash

    In an unfortunate incident on June 8, a fire broke out in the pediatric ward of the Sahiwal Reading Hospital that claimed the lives of 11 children, most of them newborns.

    After the incident, the hospital’s spokesperson Dr. Farrukh Shahzad stated that the fire was caused by a short circuit in an air conditioner in the nursery ward after which the hospital staff moved the children to the emergency room and the surgery ward; the hospital even denied reports of children’s deaths in the incident.

    However, Information Minister Punjab government Azma Bokhari spoke with BBC Urdu, and said, “Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has rejected the report presented by the hospital and has conducted her own inquiry. Action has been ordered against officers of the hospital administration.”

    During the CM’s visit to the hospital, it was found that fire extinguishers had expired since April and had not been maintained which is against safety protocols.

    The CM was outraged at the hospital’s management for failing to provide fire extinguishing equipment even after the fatal incident.

    CM Maryam Nawaz dismissed the hospital’s MS Akhter Hussain, Deputy MS Dr Usman Anwar, Assistant MS Dr Umer and Sahiwal Medical College Principal Prof Dr Imran Hasan.

    However, when the Sahiwal police tried to arrest the doctors on CM’s orders, a clash took place between the police, hospital doctors and paramedics. The clash allegedly resulted in injuries to two dozen doctors and 30 paramedics.

    The Young Doctors Association (YDA) led the protest, criticising the CM’s decision to arrest the senior doctors. It threatened to shut down all emergencies of public sector hospitals across Punjab if the detained doctors were not released.

    The YDA has demanded the withdrawal of the suspension of senior doctors and action against the police officers involved in the baton charge.

    District Police Officer (DPO) Sahiwal Faisal Shehzad held rounds of negotiations with the senior doctors and released all the doctors on orders of the Punjab government.

    Maryam Nawaz also replied to a social media user on X (formerly Twitter) complaining of the government’s high-handed action against the doctors.

  • No swimming or bathing on Karachi beach

    No swimming or bathing on Karachi beach

    Commissioner Karachi has banned bathing and swimming on various Karachi beaches for two months, from July 16 to September 15.

    The office of the Commissioner has directed Deputy Commissioners to ensure compliance with the ban.

    Citizens are advised to follow the orders to ensure safety.

    “There is apprehension expressed by the concerned Deputy Commissioners that a large number of public is expected to visit the beaches in Karachi during Eid Holidays and there is every likelihood of drowning incidents occurring due to public bathing and swimming in the sea, owing to the monsoon spell and high tides in the sea,” the notification read.

    However, bathing in the sea is banned at Canap Beach, Mubarak Village, and Sonera Beach until August 13, according to Geo News.

  • PCB likely to re-evaluate central contracts of players

    PCB likely to re-evaluate central contracts of players

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to re-evaluate the central contract of Pakistan cricket team’s players.

    According to Geo, national cricketers who do not perform well in the first phase will be demoted in the central contract and many cricketers will have to lose the coveted contract.

    Cricketers were given a three-year contract from July 1 last year, but now the central contract is being re-evaluated after the team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup.

    Players were alleged to have successfully gotten an increase in their salaries by applying pressure during Zaka Ashraf’s tenure. The same team then failed in the Asia Cup and ICC World Cup.

    The remunerations that were increased will now be determined as per the remunerations of the players and their retention in the contract.

  • Petrol price reduced by Rs10.2, diesel by Rs2.33 per litre

    Petrol price reduced by Rs10.2, diesel by Rs2.33 per litre

    The government has announced a reduction in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs10.2 and Rs2.33 per litre, respectively, for the upcoming fortnight. 

    In a notification, the Ministry of Finance stated that the prices of petroleum products have exhibited a mixed trend in the international market over the past two weeks. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) calculated the new consumer prices based on these international market fluctuations.

    The revised prices set petrol at Rs258.16 per litre and HSD at Rs267.89 per litre. 

    The Prime Minister’s Office described the reduction as a gift from the premier in anticipation of the upcoming Eidul Azha. 

    Sources previously indicated that the government intended to pass the benefits of lower international prices on to consumers. 

    Over the past two weeks, the prices of petrol and HSD in the international market decreased by approximately $3.75 and $2.7 per barrel, respectively. This follows a significant drop of about $12 per barrel for petrol and $8 per barrel for HSD over the prior month.

    The international price of petrol has decreased to just over $90 per barrel from about $94 per barrel, while the price of HSD has fallen to $95 per barrel from $98 per barrel.

  • Weekly inflation rises with tomato prices up 27.14%, chicken 11.75%

    Weekly inflation rises with tomato prices up 27.14%, chicken 11.75%

    The Weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the Combined Group saw a 1.3 per cent week-over-week increase during the week ending June 13, 2024, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

    The SPI also showed a significant year-over-year rise of 23.03 per cent compared to the same period last year.

    The Combined Index reached 313.93, up from 309.91 the previous week, and significantly higher than the 255.17 recorded a year ago.

    During the week, out of 51 monitored items, prices of 19 items (37.26 per cent) increased, 8 items (15.68 per cent) decreased, and 24 items (47.06 per cent) remained stable.

    Major price increases were observed in tomatoes (27.14 per cent), chicken (11.75 per cent), electricity for Q1 (8.73 per cent), pulse gram (7.19 per cent), and LPG (6.14 per cent). On the other hand, notable price decreases were recorded in onions (5.00 per cent), chilies powder (1.95 per cent), rice basmati broken (1.65 per cent), garlic (1.32 per cent), and rice IRRI (1.08 per cent).

    The SPI percentage change by income groups indicated increases across all quantiles, ranging from 1.01 per cent to 1.31 per cent on a weekly basis. The lowest income group experienced a rise of 1.01 per cent, while the highest income group saw an increase of 1.29 per cent.

    Yearly analysis of SPI changes across different income segments showed increases ranging between 16.29 per cent and 26.07 per cent. These statistics highlight the varying impact of price changes on different income groups, reflecting broader economic trends and inflationary pressures within the country.

  • Gold price hits Rs241,500 per tola after recent surge

    Gold price hits Rs241,500 per tola after recent surge

    The price of gold in Pakistan saw a significant rise on Friday, with 24-karat gold now selling at Rs241,500 per tola, marking an increase of Rs800 per tola.

    This adjustment is notable as the price has been maintained Rs1,500 below its actual cost due to a reduction in purchasing power.

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported that the price of 24-karat gold per 10 grammes has increased by Rs686, bringing it to Rs207,047. Similarly, 22-karat gold saw a price hike, reaching Rs189,793 per 10 grammes.

    In contrast, silver prices remained steady in the domestic market. The price of 24-karat silver continued to be Rs2,750 per tola and Rs2,358 per 10 grammes.

    On the international stage, spot gold was trading near $2,331 an ounce, reflecting a rise of $28.7 or 1.25 per cent from the previous session. This upward trend in the global market has influenced the local pricing dynamics in Pakistan.

    The ongoing fluctuation in gold prices is closely monitored by investors and market participants, as it reflects broader economic conditions and purchasing power within the country.

  • Pakistani bank statements unacceptable for UK visa? Fake news!

    Pakistani bank statements unacceptable for UK visa? Fake news!

    A letter circulating all over social media claiming that the United Kingdom will no longer accept financial documents from major Pakistani banks for visa or immigration applications and that English language tests, including IELTS, will be considered unacceptable for Pakistani students has turned out to be fake.

    In the letter allegedly issued by UK Visas and Immigration, it was stated that certain Pakistani banks’ statements would no longer be acceptable for UK visa applications.

    The letter then goes on to name nine major banks in the country.

    It also listed English language tests allegedly rejected by the UK, including Oxford ELLT Digital, IELTS Life Skills, and Pearson Test of English.

    The British High Commission in Islamabad debunked the letter as false, clarifying that no such restrictions have been imposed.

    The official statement by the Commission was posted on X (Twitter) account and confirmed by the Geo Fact Check team via mail. It stated that the Commission is aware of a “fake document being shared pretending to be from UK Visa and Immigration.”

  • Here are all the stars who attended Umr-o-Ayyar’s premier

    Here are all the stars who attended Umr-o-Ayyar’s premier

    A team from The Current was invited to the premier of ‘Umro Ayyar’ at CUE Cinema, Lahore, on June 13.
    The event was attended by many celebrities, including Fawad Khan, who made a grand entry that caught everyone’s attention. Other notable celebrities who walked the red carpet included Faysal Qureshi, Bilal Lashari, Saba Qamar, Syed Noor, Irfan Khoosat, Afzal Khan (Rambo) and his wife Sahiba.

    The cast of the film, including Usman Mukhtar, Faran Tahir, Ali Kazmi, Sanam Saeed, Daniyal Raheel, and Simi Raheal, were also present at the premier. Veteran actor Naeem Tahir was there to support his son, Ali Tahir, who is part of the film’s cast.

    As celebrities walked the red carpet, they were surrounded by fans. Some celebrities even took the time to interact with fans, posing for selfies and signing autographs.

    The film’s star Faran Tahir made a vintage and impressive entry that left a lasting impression. The ARY Hoshiyaran team was also present at the premier.

    The first science fiction movie from Pakistan with amazing visual effects – Umro Ayyar- is set to be released on Eid ul Azha. Fans are eagerly awaiting the movie, which represents a fresh start for Pakistani cinema.

  • Will Pakistan play qualifiers for the T20 World Cup 2026?

    Will Pakistan play qualifiers for the T20 World Cup 2026?

    After Pakistan’s defeat against the USA during the T20 World Cup, speculation arose that the Asian country will not qualify for the next World Cup if it did not reach the Super-8 stage.

    After these unsubstantiated reports came out, there was more criticism of the national team on social media, but these rumours were based on falsehoods. Even if Pakistan does not reach the Super-8 stage of this World Cup, the Pakistan team will still directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

    According to Geo, the next World Cup will be played in India and Sri Lanka in 2026, in which 12 teams, including the host countries, will qualify directly.

    For the next World Cup, eight teams from the Super-8 stage, two from the host country and two more teams based on better ranking will be eligible to play the event directly.

    The ranking points of these two teams will be analysed on June 30, 2024.

    India has qualified for the next World Cup after reaching the Super-8 stage and Sri Lanka, despite not yet reached the crucial, has directly qualified for the next World Cup due to hosting priorities in 2026. After which the situation is now that two to three teams will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup on the basis of ranking points.

    Pakistan and England have not qualified for the Super-8 stage so far, while New Zealand has been pushed out of the event, but based on current ranking points, all three teams are likely to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.

  • Six exciting films to hit cinemas this Eid ul Azha!

    Six exciting films to hit cinemas this Eid ul Azha!

    This Eid ul Azha exciting Lollywood and Hollywoood films are set to hit cinemas.

    Many people eagerly wait for Eid to enjoy a day out with family and friends at the movies. There are four Lollywood and two Hollywood coming this Eid Ul Azha.

    UmroAyyar – A New Beginning

    This upcoming Pakistani fantasy film is about Umro, a character from the classic fantasy Urdu novel.

    Cast: Ali Kazmi, Farhan Tahir, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Manzar Sehbai, Sana Fakhar, Sanam Saeed, Simi Raheal, Usman Mukhtar.

    The sci-fi movie is directed by Azfar Jafri and produced by VR Chili Production.

    Abhi

    Humza, a young Kashmiri boy, flees to AJK with his brother after their father’s death and pursues his passion for music in Muzaffarabad, but struggles with haunting childhood memories.

    A chance encounter with a Lahori tourist, Zara, encourages him to move to Lahore to chase his dreams and overcome his past.

    The film is directed by Asad Mumtaz and produced by Ali Chaudhry, Gohar Mumtaz, and Muhammad Waleed Abbas. The screenplay is written by Shoiab Rabbani.

    Cast:

    Gohar Mumtaz, Hareem Farooq, Hina Bayat, Kubra Khan, Mahmood Aslam, Shahzad Nawaz, Usman Peerzada

    Na Baligh Afraad

    Nabeel Qureshi is back with ‘Na Baligh Afraad’, a comedy set in the 90s. The trailer shows a VCR playing a key role. With lots of laughs, get ready for a fun time at the movies. The film is directed by Nabeel Qureshi and produced by Fizza Ali.Meera ,Nabeel Qureshi.

    Cast: Samar Jafri, Aashir Wajahat, Adi Adeel Amjad, Salim Miraaj, Ehteshamuddin

    Bhediya: A scientist’s theory

    The film suggests that humans evolved from animals, but today’s humans quickly revert to animalistic behavior, forgetting their values. ‘Bhediya’ tells the story of one such person who seeks revenge, blurring the lines between humans and animals.

    This individual’s quest for inner satisfaction transforms them into a ‘Bhediya’, losing their human identity.

    It is directed by Shahzad Billa and the screenplay is written by Tofiqe Shah, produced by Mukhtar Ahmad Khawaja. The gernre of the film is action and adventure.

    Cast: Ali Khan, Baba Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Shafqat Cheema, Shahzad Billa, Sidra Noor, Sumaira Saghir, Syed Ama

    Inside Out 2

    The film Inside Out 2 is about Riley navigating her teenage years, experiencing new emotions and adventures. The film is directed by Kelsey Mann and written by Dave Holstein, Meg LeFavue.

    Cast: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Tony Hale

    Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die

    The dynamic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence returns as Miami’s finest, but this time they’re on the wrong side of the law. Expect high-octane action, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a thrilling twist as they go from being the hunters to the hunted.

    It is directed by Adil El Arabi, Bilall Fallah and written by Chris Bremer, Will Beall and George Gallo.

    Cast: Will smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens