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  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif secures $3 billion investment package in Qatar visit

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif secures $3 billion investment package in Qatar visit

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned to Islamabad but was not empty-handed. In addition to a $600 million investment package from Saudi Arabia, Mr Sharif also managed to get Qatar to pledge three billion dollars across various sectors in Pakistan.

    This investment from Qatar is vastly different from the ones received by Saudi Arabia. This is largely due to the fact that the Saudi investment plans were focused primarily on the upgrade and construction of refineries in Pakistan. However, Doha’s vision is to hold a more diverse set of investments.

    This is likely to spell great news for Pakistani businesses, especially those involved in the provision of airport services, renewable energy and hospitality. The inflow of Qatari Riyals will benefit businesses as these foreign funds will allow for the expansion of the scope of current projects.

    Lawmakers in Islamabad have been especially successful in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) in the past few months. In the first quarter of FY 24-25 alone, FDI had jumped up by 48 per cent. With the Qatari deal secured, experts predict the FDI levels will continue to stay at a respectable level in the second quarter.

    Qatar’s investment in Pakistan’s economy and, ultimately, businesses shows the great level of faith they have in the economy. The government has been making great efforts to made great strides to revive the economy, as all economic indicators seem to be moving in a positive direction.

    As per the IMF’s (International Monetary Fund) forecasts, the annual inflation rate is expected to sit at around 9.5 per cent – a stark improvement from the 30.77 per cent rate recorded in 2023. Moreover, the government has gained significant credibility with international investors and lenders, having a fiscal surplus for the first time in 24 years. These statistics have undoubtedly made Pakistan a better destination for investments than last year and investors have taken note of this too.

    As such, Qatari investors might consider Mr Sharif’s request in the meetings where he urged them to invest in businesses in Pakistan. The resulting collaboration will likely continue Riyal bankrolling business projects in Pakistan. Moreover, Qatar’s confidence in Pakistan is likely to be shared by other international investors.

    Qatar’s latest investment pledge adds to the long line of investments that Islamabad has managed to garner. Can Pakistan, backed by foreign investments, finally claw out and recover from the economic quagmire that it found itself in last year? Time shall tell.

  • Pakistan’s IMF loan programme at risk as IMF requirements remain unfulfilled

    Pakistan’s IMF loan programme at risk as IMF requirements remain unfulfilled

    Pakistan’s seven billion dollar loan programme has fallen into jeopardy as the country fails to fulfil the requirements of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), journalist Shahbaz Rana revealed on October 31.

    Rana said that IMF had directed the Pakistan government to collect around PKR 13,000 billion in taxes for the ongoing fiscal year.

    Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has failed to collect the targeted tax for the first quarter (July to September), leaving PKR 90 Billion tax shortfalls despite securing advance taxes from several companies, he added.

    As per the IMF’s direction, the Pakistani government was only able to collect 10 lac rupees from the traders for the first quarter of the year instead of the IMF-described target of PKR 10 billion rupees.

    Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s subsidizing in the province has been directly or indirectly impacting the IMF loan programme, Shahbaz Rana maintained.

    Earlier, the Punjab CM had announced a 14 rupees electricity unit subsidy for two months in the province by cutting the development budget.

    Journalists also observed that during the ongoing second quarter (October to December), the government might again fail to collect the targeted tax and may face a PKR 300-350 billion shortfall.

    The government will face more than PKR 400 Billion tax shortfall in the first six months of the three-year loan programme, which will definitely impact the IMF programme’s longevity, Rana predicted.

    All provinces failed to achieve a total cash surplus budget of PKR 342 Billion, achieving PKR 160 Billion for the first quarter.

    Furthermore, the IMF again urged Pakistan to allow a further devaluation of the rupee, despite Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s belief that the currency has already been devalued by at least 16 per cent, Rana concluded.

  • Pakistani stars gather for Diwali celebration

    Pakistani stars gather for Diwali celebration

    Diwali, one of the biggest festival for the Hindu community, is celebrated not only in India but also by the Pakistani Hindu community with great enthusiasm. Celebrities from the entertainment world come tighter to celebrate Diwali. Yesterday fashion designer and actor Deepak Perwani hosted an event at his home inviting friends and colleagues to join the celebration.

    Many well-known stars attended, including Shehryar Munawar, Maheen Siddiqui, Sanam Saeed, Mohib Mirza, Sarwat Gilani, Fahad Mirza, Sonya Hussyn and Tara Mehmood.

    Actress Sonya Hussyn took to Instagram to share some lovely pictures from the Diwali party. She looked stunning in a saree, surrounded by friends and colleagues celebrating the festival.

    In her post she said: “Pakistan is a beautiful mosaic of cultures and beliefs, and we must celebrate our minorities as vital parts of this nation.
    As Muhammad Ali Jinnah said,
    ‘You are free, you are free to go to your temples… You may belong to any religion, caste, or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the State.’”

    She also emphasizes how crucial it is to honor the contribution of each community to our society.
    They actively celebrate their rich heritage, ensuring it remains an important part of Sindh identify.
    “This quote reminds us that every community enriches our society. Let’s honor the rights and freedoms of all our citizens, ensuring that everyone feels at home in Pakistan. It’s their country too, and we embrace all cultures with open hearts and together we can create a future filled with respect, unity, and love. .”

    Actress and telvesion host Sarwat Gilani also share a picture of herself with a bindi, captioning it, “Let’s celebrate the white in our flag, celebrate an inclusive Pakistan. Happy Diwali to our Pakistani brothers and sisters who live and love Pakistan.”


    Events like these help everyone feel included and promote respect among all citizens, no matter their background. The Diwali party was more than just a fun gathering, it was a celebration of unity in diversity, showing that every community plays a vital role in the nation’s success.


    As the celebration went on, people from Hindu community felt hopeful for a future where all cultures are accepted. Pakistan celebrities show they care about unity and peace, making a better tomorrow.

    Hinduism is the second largest religion in Sindh, with about 4.9 million followers. The lively plays a key role in shaping the culture of the province through their festivals and traditions. Hindus in Sindh contribute greatly to local customs and the economy, making their presence vital to the region. They actively celebrate their rich heritage, ensuring it remains an important part of Sindh identify.


    Here are the pictures below:

  • Deepika shares name, first glimpse of daughter

    Deepika shares name, first glimpse of daughter

    Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have officially named their daughter.

    The couple welcomed their daughter in September of this year, but her name had not been revealed until now.

    According to a post by Deepika earlier in the day, the couple has named the baby girl ‘Dua Padukone Singh’.

    Sharing a picture of the baby on Instagram, Deepika explained that the name represented “the answer to their prayers”.

    Although her face has not yet been revealed, this marks the first public photo of the baby. Last year, Deepika and Ranveer had delighted fans with the confirmation of their impending parenthood.

    In a joint Instagram post, the couple had announced that they were expecting their first child. The news had set off a wave of congratulatory messages and best wishes from fans and fellow celebrities alike, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Bollywood’s most beloved couples.

    While they had kept the baby’s gender under wraps, the post featured both blue and pink hues, sparking speculation and excitement among followers.

    Rumors about Deepika’s pregnancy had been swirling for days, and the couple’s confirmation finally put the speculation to rest.

    The couple’s relationship has also been a topic for discussion among fans since the two tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Italy in November 2018 after years of dating.

    In a recent interview, Deepika had expressed excitement when asked about motherhood, stating that she and Ranveer were eagerly waiting for the day they could start expanding their family.

    Earlier, Bollywood star Ranveer Singh surprised fans by removing his wedding photos with Deepika Padukone from Instagram, months before the couple prepare to welcome their first baby. Their love story, though not like a fairytale, has won many hearts as a modern romance. They got married in 2018 in Italy, which fans remember fondly. But recent changes have worried their fans.

    Fans started guessing when they noticed that Ranveer didn’t have any wedding photos on his Instagram. Deepika had removed her wedding pictures once but then shared them again. Now, Ranveer’s actions are making people think about why he deleted the photos and what it means for them on social media.

    While the reason behind Ranveer’s Instagram activity remains uncertain, the couple, fondly known as “DeepVeer”, fan base expressed concern over the sudden changes on social media. With reports suggesting Ranveer’s plans for a year-long paternity leave, followers eagerly await further updates on the celebrity duo’s journey into parenthood.

    People who love Bollywood and follow Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are waiting for answers. Meanwhile, the missing wedding photos on Instagram are making people talk and guess in the world of celebrity news.

  • KP govt willing to bid for loss-making PIA

    KP govt willing to bid for loss-making PIA

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, in a letter to the federal government, has shown interest in participating in the bidding process for the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

    “On behalf of the chief minister/ chairman and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we would like to express our earnest interest in participating in the bidding process for the sale of PIA,” Vice Chairman Hassan Masood Kunwar of KP Board of Investment and Trade (KP-BOIT) stated in a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Privatisation Aleem Khan.

    KP government said that they were prepared to offer a bid that would surpass the current highest offer of PKR 10 Billion by Blue World City consortium, ensuring a strong and competitive position within the PIA bidding process.

    It may be noted that PIA has a debt load of around Rs800 billion ($2.9 billion), and the government has tried to bail it out multiple times in recent years.

    “We respectfully request that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s proposal be considered as a viable option to retain the national flag carrier within a provincial government structure, preserving PIA’s legacy and aligning with the public’s interest in maintaining national assets,” the provincial government’s letter stated further.

    The development comes a day after Blue World City’s PKR 10 billion ($36 million) bid for PIA’s 60 per cent shares, which was much lower than the federal government’s fixed PKR 85 billion ($305 million) demand. Other bidder’s withdrew at the last moment, making Blue World City the sole bidder.

    After submitting the bid on Thursday, Seham Raza, the chief operating officer (COO) of Blue World City, said that the consortium placed the bids for the sake of the national carrier, and it did not care about its poor financial numbers or business model.

    Among companies that withdrew at the last moment were Arif Habib Corporation Limited, Fly Jinnah, Younus Brothers, Holdings Private Limited, Pak Ethanol Private and Air Blue.

    According to senior journalist Shahbaz Rana, the interested parties requested the federal government to exempt them from paying the 18 per cent General Sale Tax (GST), which was declined, leading the companies to withdraw from the bidding process.

    The companies also disagreed to the government’s demand for the successful bidder to retain the airline’s 7,300 existing employees for two to three years.

  • Supreme Court verdict giving first wife right to annul marriage declared un-Islamic

    Supreme Court verdict giving first wife right to annul marriage declared un-Islamic

    The Islamic Ideology Council has declared the Supreme Court’s verdict of granting first wives the right to terminate their marriage upon the husband’s second marriage without their permission be against Sharia.

    In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had decided to give the first wife the right to terminate the marriage if her husband marries for the second time without her permission.

    On October 23, the top court’s three-member bench headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah announced the decision in an 18-page ruling which stated that the first wife can terminate the marriage contract if her husband undertakes a second marriage without her consent.

    Chairman of the Islamic Ideological Council Raghib Naimi said in a statement that there is no prohibition in Sharia on a man’s second, third or fourth marriage. He explained further that the decision to give the first wife the right to terminate the marriage if her husband remarries without her permission is illegal, and according to the constitution, no law can conflict with the rulings in Islam as described in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

    He asserted that the decision of the Supreme Court needs to be respected but added, “We have the right to give an opinion on it based on the rulings of Sharia.”

    However, the recent decision of the Supreme Court, according to Mufti Raghib Usmani, aligns with the “land of law” but contradicts Sharia principles.
    He announced that the Council of Islamic Ideology will include a discussion of the Supreme Court’s ruling in its upcoming meeting agenda.

  • Nargis files case against husband amid allegations of abuse

    Nargis files case against husband amid allegations of abuse

    Actress and stage artist Nargis has filed a case against her husband, Majid Bashir, in Lahore on Friday. Despite the case being registered, the suspect has not been arrested yet.

    In the FIR, she alleged that her husband Majid Bashir, “wanted to put my property documents, cash, and farmhouse in his name,” and that “the accused wanted to usurp a 9- kanal plot.”

    According to the actress, when she refused, “He subjected me to torture, repeatedly punched me in the face with an official pistol, tortured me in front of household staff and my nephew, and locked me in a room.”

    She further alleged that her husband also threatened to kill her if she did not hand over the farmhouse, gold, and more money.

    According to the police, she was allegedly assaulted by her husband, Inspector Majid Bashir, in Lahore’s Defence C area.

    “After the quarrel, she also came to the police station last night but has not filed any complaint yet,” police added.

    Nargis, who married Inspector Majid Bashir a few years ago, now runs a beauty salon after having stepped away from the entertainment industry.

    “No application has been received from Nargis’s family so far; if we receive a complaint, action will be taken according to the law,” police said.

    Earlier, it was reported that Nargis’s brother had reached out to the police and told them that his sister had been beaten black and blue by her husband.

  • Will Mustafa die in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum? Leaked scene hints at sad ending

    Will Mustafa die in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum? Leaked scene hints at sad ending

    A leaked clip from ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ has stirred suspense and apprehension among fans.

    The clip shows ctor Fahad Mustafa applying fake blood during makeup and then dramatically collapsing to the ground.

    The intense scene has viewers speculating if his character might face a heartbreaking fate, making fans eager to see how the story unfolds.

    Fahad Mustafa can be heard telling Badar, “Mein ek baar giru ga baar baar nhi,” as he readies himself for the scene. Meanwhile, the makeup artist applies fake blood to Mustafa, setting up what appears to be an intense moment.
    Fahad also sings the song ‘Vida Karo’ often associated with goodbyes, increasing the tension and worrying legions of fans.

    Hints of a sad ending or hopeful twist:
    As Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum nears its end its much-anticipated finale, fans are hoping for a happy ending, especially hopeful because writer Farhat Ishtiaq is known for writing heighted emotions in her script but ending the drama on a happy note. Her previous projects such as Humsafar and Diyar-e-Dil are good examples here. Both dramas explored deep emotions and sadness but still gave viewers hope towards culmination. This track-record has ignited hope among fans that Mustafa’s character might be going through a tough time, but this will not be a final goodbye and Sharjeena will forgive him.

    Actress Naeema Butt who plays a supporting role in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, recently shared a farewell video, suggesting her character will not appear in the final episode.

    The excitement extended beyond the set when ARY CEO Salman Iqbal shared an Instagram story about the leaked video. He tagged Fahad Mustafa and asked, “Tu kahi mar tu nhi jayega na?? (You’re not going to die, right?)” The Main Abdul Qadir hu actor jokingly replied, “Pressure bohat hai maalik.” (The pressure is high, boss).

    As the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum finale approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if this beloved story will follow a familiar pattern of hope after heartbreak or take a different route entirely. Either way, the drama has already made a lasting mark on its audience, and its ending is sure to spark conversations for days to come.

    Fans are not in ther favor of Mustafa character meeting a tragic end.
    One fan commented, “He will be in the hospital and then Shajreena will relies how much she loves him, and they will patch up. You guys are still not use to these clichés.”
    Another fan threatened saying, “Agar is drama ke last me mustafa mara to bta derahi hun India se Pakistan aake director ka sar phaad dena hai Maine Ye mat karna.”

    Earlier, it was announced highly awaited finale of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum- starring Hania Aamir and Fahad Mustafa- will premiere in cinemas across Pakistan on November 5.


    The post said, “Watch the final twist unfold in cinemas across Pakistan. Booking is now open!” teased the network, sparking excitement among fans who have closely followed the show’s ups and downs.

  • Imran Khan will be taken into military custody in coming days: Nusrat Javed

    Imran Khan will be taken into military custody in coming days: Nusrat Javed

    Senior analyst Nusrat Javed, while talking on WE News, recently predicted that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, will be taken into “military custody” in the coming days.

    “I am informing you that those for whom Qazi Faiz Isa is being humiliated are going to be taken into military custody in a few days,” claimed Nusrat Javed.

    He also stated, “The Target of Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters is not only Qazi Faiz Isa, but the entire judiciary; whoever gives decisions against them, they will humiliate and disgrace them.”

    According to Javed, the message has been clearly conveyed to the judiciary. When the host of the show asked Javed whether what happened to former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa was immoral, he replied, “Leave what happened to him in London. When Qazi went to get a donut with his family, was he not humiliated? After that old video went viral, did that donut shop not become a landmark for people?”

    Javed then asked a rhetorical question directed at PTI supporters: why don’t they treat ex-CJP Saqib Nisar the same way.
    “Saqib Nisar roams around Lahore freely. The travesty of justice in his era was unheard of. What did he do to constitutional avenue? Has anyone asked him while he’s roaming around in Pakistan or abroad? Has anyone ever asked him in public where the dam he was campaigning for is,” asked Nusrat.

    Earlier this week, a large group of PTI supporters and leaders gathered near Chancery Lane outside London’s Middle Temple to protest against former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa.

    Dozens of PTI supporters and party leaders, such as Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, Sahibzada Jahangir and former MNA Maleeka Bokhari, made speeches outside the venue.

    Later, videos emerged of some infamous PTI supporters waiting for Isa’s car to come out of the building while hurling abuses at him.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the vehicles of the former CJP and the Pakistan High Commissioner in London were “attacked”, condemning the incident.

    In a statement posted on X, he ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to take immediate steps to identify the attackers through footage and take legal action against them.

    The statement added that further action would be taken through an FIR to block their identity cards and cancel passports.

    It further said that the attackers’ citizenship will be revoked immediately.

    “We cannot remain silent on this incident,” Naqvi said in the statement, questioning why there was no security provided to the ex-CJP amid threats.

  • ‘Mufti Qavi secretly monitors actresses,’ alleges Veena Malik

    ‘Mufti Qavi secretly monitors actresses,’ alleges Veena Malik

    Actress Veena Malik’s long standing feud with religious cleric Mufti Qavi has shifted into the fifth gear with the actress’ allegation that he secretly monitors actresses.

    “Mufti Qavi secretly monitors all the actresses. He knows everything about everyone,” Veena said on Hafiz Ahmed podcast.

    Malik then said that the controversial cleric once told her, “You possess beauty and charm.”

    She also talked about other matters including participation in Bigg Boss, and failed marriage.

    She said, “In the past, I enjoyed working on the Indian reality show Bigg Boss, but I never understood why people still criticize me for it. I even received threats after the show. Before becoming a part of the show, there is a written contract, that clearly states that there will be 56 cameras inside and 56 cameras outside the house at all times. It is their choice what to show and what not to show.”

    Answering the podcast host’s question about Mufti Qavi, she said, “Mufti Qavi secretly watches all the actresses and all their shows. He once told me, ‘You have beauty too.’ So, I asked him, ‘How do you know that I have beauty and charm?’”

    “The way I was shown in Bigg Boss, how did Mufti Qavi know all that? That was the question I asked him then, upon which he got angry.”

    She also said, “If honor and humiliation are in the hands of a human being, they will not take a minute to ruin your life, I don’t understand how people can be so hard-hearted.”

    Mufti Qavi once criticized her in the past and said, “Veena Malik can watch Bigg Boss with her children?”

    She replied, “My children are well aware of my work and they can see everything with me.”

    Earlier, Rumours are circulating on social media about actress Veena Malik’s marriage once again, following her teasing of fans and the public with hints about the mystery man in her life.

    When Geo Digital had a special conversation with her regarding this matter, she said, “This important change in life has been kept in front of everyone. When I finalise the date of the wedding, I will tell everyone. I will even reveal the groom’s face.”

    She laughed and added, “Those who are eager to see Shehryar Chaudhry’s face will get their wish fulfilled on the wedding day.”

    Remembering the past, Veena shared, “I started my career at a very young age and then decided to get married soon.”

    “Shehryar liked me but kept it to himself. On the other hand, I was busy with my career and life. During that time, I also studied for six years and completed my B.Sc and Masters, but I had no intention of getting married or settling down. It all happened very suddenly, and believe me, I am happy to feel all these emotions now. As for the children, they are more understanding now,” she explained.

    Veena Malik married businessman Asad Bashir Khattak in Dubai in 2013, and they have two children. However, the marriage ended after three years, with Malik citing incompatibility as the reason.

    “Shehryar Chaudhry belongs to a well-established family in Islamabad. He has a business of cars and property. Our first few meetings were in Islamabad because I am also from there. In these brief meetings, I found Shehryar to be a wonderful person. He is educated, handsome, and also a Hafiz of the Quran, and that is a quality that won my heart,” she shared.

    “I wanted a life partner who was both religiously and worldly connected,” she said.