A man who tried to establish a gay club has been detained in a mental hospital by local authorities.
He had filed an application to set up the club in Abbottabad.
In the application filed to the deputy commissioner (DC) of the city, the man said the club was to be a “great convenience and resource for many homosexual, bisexual and even some heterosexual people residing in Abbottabad in particular, and in other parts of the country in general.”
Homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan and can be punished by two years to life in prison.
The application stated that in “the envisaged gay club, tentatively to be called Lorenzo gay club, there would be no gay (or non-gay) sex (other than kissing).”
“A clearly visible notice on the wall would warn: no sex on premises. This would mean that no legal constraints (even obsolete ones like [anti-sodomy] PPC section 377) would be flouted on the premises”.
Abbottabad’s DC office confirmed to The Telegraph it had received the application for a gay club and was reviewing it like any other proposal.
In a pivotal and politically charged moment, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented his inaugural federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on Wednesday, as Pakistan endeavors to secure a crucial long-term bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Addressing the National Assembly, Aurangzeb underscored the government’s economic strides amidst significant financial and political hurdles over the past year. “The government’s progress on the economic front has been notable,” he affirmed in his opening statements.
The government has proposed a raise in the minimum wage from the current Rs32,000 to Rs36,000 in a bid to mitigate the inflationary pressure on citizens. According to the finance minister, the purchasing power of the populace has been impacted by rising inflation, prompting proactive measures to tackle the issue.
A prominent feature of the budget announcement was the federal cabinet’s endorsement of substantial salary increments for government employees. Those in Grades 1 to 16 will witness a 25 per cent salary hike, while employees in Grades 17 to 22 will experience a 20 per cent raise. Moreover, pensions for retired employees will see a 22 per cent increase.
Reflecting on the nation’s recent economic tribulations, Aurangzeb reminisced about a period when Pakistan’s economy was in dire straits. “The State Bank’s reserves were sufficient for less than two weeks of imports, the rupee depreciated by 40 per cent, economic progress was stagnant, and inflation was propelling more people below the poverty line rapidly,” he recalled. “Emerging from this situation seemed nearly insurmountable.”
The finance ministeralso lauded the previous government for securing a short-term standby agreement with the IMF, attributing it to bringing economic stability and averting uncertainty during a critical phase when the preceding IMF programmed was concluding, and negotiations for a new one were uncertain.
As Pakistan confronts these economic challenges, the newly unveiled budget along with the associated salary and pension increments are perceived as indispensable measures to stabilize the economy and fulfill IMF expectations, thereby laying the groundwork for future growth and stability.
Actress Kubra Khan recently appeared as a guest on Fuchsia where she advised Pakistani men to watch Korean dramas. “Mard hazrat, Pakistan ke khuda ka wasta hai, ap Korean dramas dekh aay aur unn mardon sy seekh aay achay waly,” she said. “Pakistani men should learn from Korean dramas how to express emotions to their loved ones, how to love someone, and then how to express that love. They should learn how to show love and care in a beautiful way, like men in Korean dramas do.” Kubra added. Currently acting in the drama ‘Noor Jahan’ on ARY digital, Kubra is also in the movie, ‘Abhi’ along with Gohar Mumtaz. The movie will release on Eid ul Azha.
After losing to America in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s former cricketers lashed out at the team and management for losing the match they almost won against India.
In the ARY News sports program, on Monday said, “The quality of Pakistan’s men’s cricket team has gone down so much that now we should play with the women’s teams of Australia and England instead of a men’s team.”
The former batsman is getting slammed by social media users for the misogynistic comments. Here are some reactions:
Indian actress Sonam Bajwa, a very focal fan of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, has praised another Pakistani star. Bajwa was all praise for Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah when the pacer displayed kindness towards a young fan.
A video circulated on social media showing Pakistan captain Babar Azam leaving the premises of what looks like their hotel lobby in a hurry, leaving a young fan in tears. Naseem Shah noticed the crying child and immediately stepped in to help. He gently said, “Rona nahi hai, theek hai?” Mein Babar Azam ka autograph bhi karta hun, theek hai,” the fast bowler gently asked the child. He then signed two autographs, his own and another one from Babar Azam.
The child, still upset, pointed to the autograph and said, “Ye Babar Azam kay sign hai.” Naseem reassured him, “Haan yeh Babar Azam ka hai. Ab happy ok?”
He then posed for pictures with the children, making sure they were happy.
Sonam Bajwa shared the video of the heartwarming moment on her Instagram story with the caption, “This is so wholesome and cute .”
An Australian dance teacher on board the turbulence-hit Singapore Airlines flight last month has suffered severe spine injuries, leading to paralysis.
Kerry Jordan and her husband were returning from a holiday in the United Kingdom on May 21 when the plane experienced sudden turbulence.
Jordan, 52 suffered a break in her spine at the C7-T1 segment, which joins the neck with the upper back.
She also suffered a brain bleed, fractures of the two joining vertebrae at the top of the spine, and fractured ribs.
Jordan returned to her seat and tried to put on the seatbelt when turbulence hit. The Singapore Airlines flight was heading from London to Singapore when the plane climbed and descended rapidly twice in 62 seconds over Myanmar.
One passenger died while dozens were injured.
Jordan, in her own words, descried the incident as “absolutely violent.”
“Literally everything just started shaking so much… All I remember was being up in the air and everything was absolutely silent and then I was on the floor,” she added.
Jordan, who faces months of rehabilitation, said she can move her arms but cannot use her hands.
In May, Singapore Airlines apologized to the couple after Davis complained about the lack of information from the airline after the incident.
Scientists blame climate change for increased air turbulence incidents.
Air turbulence often occurs unexpectedly. It is caused by different factors, including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts, or thunderstorms. It can also occur when the sky is clear.
Founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Monday strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and the federal interior minister Mohsin Naqvi saying, “Naqvi is the biggest beneficiary of favouritism.”
Khan was responding to Naqvi’s remarks about the need for “surgery” in the national cricket team after its poor performance in the Pakistan vs India T-20 match.
Khan also condemned the government over the deteriorating security situation in the country saying, “Our soldiers are being martyred, and robberies are occurring in Islamabad, yet they do not care.”
The former Prime Minister also alleged that efforts are being made to silence him and cover up election rigging, chastising the authorities for action against PTI leaders across Punjab for holding conventions.
The price of gold in Pakistan saw a notable increase on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold reaching Rs241,900 per tola, marking a rise of Rs600 per tola.
According to the Karachi Sarafa Association, the price of 24-karat gold per 10 grammes also climbed, now standing at Rs207,390, an increase of Rs514.
Similarly, 22-karat gold experienced a price hike, with the new rate quoted at Rs190,108 per 10 grammes. In contrast, silver prices remained stable in the domestic market. The price of 24-karat silver held steady at Rs2,750 per tola and Rs2,358 per 10 grammes.
On the international stage, spot gold traded near $2,314 per ounce, showing little change from the previous session. Investors are keeping a close watch on the upcoming US inflation data, which is set to be released just hours before the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates today.
This data could significantly influence gold prices, as any shifts in interest rates may impact investor sentiment and demand for precious metals.
The recent surge in gold prices in Pakistan reflects the broader global economic uncertainties and the anticipation of key economic indicators that could sway the market in the coming days.
Pakistan’s most expensive film is set to make its debut in cinemas, marking a new era for the film industry.
Actors Usman Mukhtar and Faran Tahir, recently appeared on FHM podcast, where they talked about their film ‘Umro Ayyar’, calling it the most expensive production in the country’s history. Hollywood star Faran Tahir, who plays the primary antagonist, expressed immense pride on being part of the project.
“This film marks the dawn of a new era for our industry, introducing a genre that we’ve traditionally left uncharted. The movie’s title is only one part of this new beginning’s excitement and complexity,: the Iron Man star said.
Usman Mukhtar, who plays the legendary ‘Umro Ayyar’, highlighted the need for local support for Pakistani science fiction projects.
Usman asked the public, “You watch similar films from our neighboring country, so you should definitely watch this one since it’s derived from our own literature. Pakistan’s first superhero movie.”
Faran took the opportunity to highlight the gap between Pakistani literary heritage and the current generation. “Though we’re not expanding as an industry, we’re taking a bold and dangerous step forward today. We’re making important content for our youth, bridging the gap between them and our traditional stories like Umro Ayyar.”
The actors found great satisfaction in the film’s basis in classic literature. Faran provided more information on the creative methods used in the production, especially the use of European stunt directors with prior expertise on popular television shows like ‘Game of Thrones.’
“We identified gaps and brought in international talent where necessary. However, we also established our own VFX studio in Islamabad, which is now fully operational,” he pointed out.
UmroAyyar – A New Beginning
The fantasy film is about Umro, a character from the classic beloved Urdu novel.
The cast includes Ali Kazmi, Farhan Tahir, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Manzar Sehbai, Sana Fakhar, Sanam Saeed, Simi Raheal, Usman Mukhtar. The genre of the film is sci-fi movie. It is directed by Azfar Jafri and produced by VR Chili Production. It’s coming to cinemas on this Eid Ul Azha, June 17.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have agreed on the annual budget being presented in Parliament today, ARY News reported on Wednesday.
PPP had earlier expressed concerns about the budget, but the publication stated that the party will vote for it to extend its support to PML-N.
PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari had said the party has yet to decide whether to vote in favor of the budget.
The matter is now reportedly settled between the top leadership of both parties. “Despite protest and speeches in the parliament, the PPP will support the passage of the budget,” sources confirmed to ARY.
However, PML-N has assured PPP of adding some of their proposals to the budget.
