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  • Actress Madiha Rizvi weds writer Junaid Ali Perwez in the most romantic ceremony ever

    Actress Madiha Rizvi weds writer Junaid Ali Perwez in the most romantic ceremony ever

    Actress Madiha Rizvi weds writer Junaid Ali Perwez in the most romantic ceremony ever

    Madiha Rizvi, daughter of veteran actor Deeba Rizvi, is known for her versatile roles in various TV dramas.
    She was once married to Hasan Noman, but after the unfortunate end of the marriage, she has remarried, tying the knot with Junaid Ali Perwez.

    Perwez, also known as J.P., shared a heartwarming wedding video on social media, expressing love and gratitude towards Rizvi. The video showcased intimate moments from their ceremony, including Rizvi’s entry with her daughters, exchanging rings, and signing their Nikah papers.

    In his Instagram caption, Perwez wrote, “You have become the flower of my life, filling it with love and happiness that words can never express. May Allah bless us and strengthen our bond with faith and each other. I LOVE YOU @diyariz.”

    Rizvi reciprocated the love, commenting, “You are the blessing I never knew I needed, a reward from God in the shape of a wonderful partner like you. I love you more.”

    Rizvi and Noman, who share two daughters, were married from 2013 to 2022.

  • Chairman PCB dissolves women cricket selections committee after West Indies white wash

    Chairman PCB dissolves women cricket selections committee after West Indies white wash

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has dissolved women cricket team selections committee after white wash from West Indies.

    The West Indies Women’s team clean swept the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team in the ODI series at the home ground.

    A new committee comprising of seven members has been formed, ARY has reported.

    Former cricketers Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, former women cricketers Asmavia Iqbal, Marina Iqbal are included in the new selection committee, while interim head coach women cricket Mohtsham Rasheed, women cricket team captain Nida Dar and former cricketer Batul Fatima are also included in the selection committee.

    According to PCB spokesperson, orders have been issued for the immediate selection of the best coach for the women’s cricket team, while the new selection committee has been instructed to take over the responsibilities immediately.

    Sources say that Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is unhappy with the performance of the national women’s cricket team and large-scale changes are expected in women’s cricket soon.

    During the previous board management period, there was a 4-member committee whose chairman was Saleem Jaffer while the members included Asmavia Iqbal, Marina Iqbal and Mohtsham Rashid.

  • Rainfall expected in Balochistan, other parts of country

    Rainfall expected in Balochistan, other parts of country

    Another western rain system has entered Balochistan under which moderate to heavy rain is expected in 24 districts of the province from today till April 27.

    There is a risk of flooding in rivers while fishermen in Pisni and other coastal areas have been prevented from going into the sea today.

    On the other hand, according to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of wind, thunder and rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, South Punjab and Upper Sindh today.

    Meanwhile, rain is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir as predicted by the Metreological department.

  • Maryam Nawaz adopts simple lifestyle after becoming CM, says Azma Bukhari

    Maryam Nawaz adopts simple lifestyle after becoming CM, says Azma Bukhari

    Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said on Wednesday that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has made significant changes in her lifestyle since becoming provincial chief executive. She now wears “normal clothes” and lives a simpler life, Azma added.

    “Maryam [Nawaz] wears normal clothes [whereas] her other clothes are old and date before the [February 8] general elections,” the provincial government spokesperson said while speaking on Geo News’ programme “Geo Pakistan”.

    The minister’s remarks came as it is a first time in the history that a female is a chief minister of Punjab. This also put Maryam Nawaz in the spotlight even more than her role as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president.

    However, social media users accused Maryam Nawaz multiple times of wearing expensive clothes and shoes. 

    Responding to the allegations, Bukhari said that CM Punjab likes and mostly wears simple clothes.

    “I didn’t say she doesn’t wear branded clothes, she prefers simple clothes now,” the minister noted.

  • Iranian footballer banned for hugging female fan

    Iranian footballer banned for hugging female fan

    Iranian goal-keeper Syed Hussain Hussaini has been banned for one match for hugging a female fan, while a fine of $4500 has also been imposed on him.

    According to foreign media, the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) has said that women should be banned from entering the stadium in the city of Tabriz, located in the northwest of the country. It is not yet clear whether the ban will be in Tabriz or across the country.

    According to reports, the woman was not wearing hijab when she hugged the footballer for three seconds.

  • Usain Bolt will be ambassador of T20 World Cup 2024

    Usain Bolt will be ambassador of T20 World Cup 2024

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed record winning athlete Usain Bolt as the ambassador of the T20 World Cup.

    Olympic gold medalist sprinter Bolt will participate in the promotion of the cricket World Cup and will also perform in the theme song. Usain Bolt will also watch the matches, saying that he will support the West Indies team during the World Cup.

    The ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in America and West Indies from June 1 to June 29. 55 matches of the tournament will be played at West Indies 6 and USA 3 venues. The opening match of the World Cup will be between USA and Canada.

    Apart from this ICC appointed Pakistani female cricketer Sana Mir as ‘Brand Ambassador’ for Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

  • Over 100,000 students register for interest-free motorcycle initiative

    Over 100,000 students register for interest-free motorcycle initiative

    The Punjab government has announced a significant initiative to offer interest-free motorcycles to students, with over 100,000 registrations received through the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) e-bike portal.

    This scheme aims to provide 20,000 motorcycles to students in Punjab, allowing them easier and more affordable transportation options.

    According to the PITB on Tuesday, the e-Bikes Portal has facilitated students across Punjab to register for the initiative, with more than 16,000 online applications already submitted.

    Out of these, over 13,500 students have applied for petrol bikes, while more than 3,800 have opted for e-bikes.

    The portal remains open for further applications, encouraging students to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

    The initiative offers a flexible down payment and monthly instalment plan, with the government covering the markup on both.

    This arrangement allows students to manage the cost of their motorcycles over time without the burden of interest, making it a more accessible option for those who rely on personal transportation for their education.

    Eligible applicants must be regular students of government or private graduate colleges or universities, aged 18 or older, and possess a valid driving license or learner permit.

    In the initial phase, the distribution of e-bikes will focus on the cities of Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi. Petrol bikes will be distributed across other districts of Punjab.

    The deadline for applications is April 29, and interested students can register through the e-Bikes Portal [bikes.punjab.gov.pk].

    PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf highlighted the transparency of the system, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the broader goal of facilitating education across Punjab.

    He stated that the program’s aim is to make it easier for students to access motorcycles, enhancing their mobility and supporting their educational journey.

  • Profit plunge: Pakistan Refinery Limited records Rs1.24 billion loss

    Profit plunge: Pakistan Refinery Limited records Rs1.24 billion loss

    Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL), a subsidiary of Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO), faced a significant loss of Rs1.24 billion in the third quarter ending March 31, 2024, primarily due to reduced revenue and escalating costs.

    This marks a stark contrast to the same quarter in the previous fiscal year, when PRL posted a profit of Rs1.77 billion.

    The financial setback was announced through a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday following a meeting of PRL’s board of directors on April 23. In light of the loss, the board recommended no dividend distribution.

    According to the report, the loss per share (LPS) for the quarter was Rs1.97, a notable decline from earnings per share (EPS) of Rs2.81 in the same period last year (SPLY).

    This financial downturn was driven by a 17 per cent drop in revenue from contracts, which fell to Rs49.45 billion in 3QFY24 from Rs59.55 billion in SPLY. As a result, PRL recorded a gross loss of Rs559.1 million, a significant shift from a gross profit of Rs4.46 billion in SPLY.

    The company’s ‘other income’ rose dramatically, up over 95 per cent to Rs1.12 billion in 3QFY24 compared to Rs574.32 million in SPLY.

    Despite this increase in other income, the company’s operating expenses soared by more than 240 per cent, reaching Rs1.69 billion in the third quarter, compared to Rs495.52 million in SPLY.

    Consequently, PRL reported an operating loss of Rs1.13 billion, a sharp reversal from an operating profit of Rs4.54 billion in the same period last year.

    The loss before tax (PBT) from refinery operations in 3QFY24 was Rs2.11 billion, a considerable drop from a profit of Rs2.65 billion in SPLY.

    However, despite the quarterly loss, PRL’s performance over the first nine months of the fiscal year remains positive, with a profit of Rs5.27 billion—more than double the Rs2.53 billion earned in the same period last year.

    Pakistan Refinery Limited was established in 1960 and has a current capacity of approximately 50,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

    It produces various petroleum products, including furnace oil, high-speed diesel, kerosene oil, jet fuel, and motor gasoline.

    Despite the recent downturn, the company’s operational capacity and product range remain robust.

  • Critical IMF meeting scheduled for April 29 to approve $1.1 billion for Pakistan

    Critical IMF meeting scheduled for April 29 to approve $1.1 billion for Pakistan

    The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to meet on April 29 to deliberate on the approval of a $1.1 billion funding tranche for Pakistan.

    This amount represents the final installment of a $3 billion stand-by arrangement (SBA) with the IMF that is due to expire this month.

    The anticipated funding comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s economy, which has been struggling with a chronic balance of payments crisis.

    The country has nearly $24 billion in debt and interest repayments due over the next fiscal year, which is approximately three times more than its central bank’s foreign currency reserves.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has indicated that the government is seeking a new long-term, larger loan from the IMF. Discussions are underway, with a staff-level agreement expected by early July.

    Islamabad is reportedly aiming for a multi-year agreement to promote macroeconomic stability and implement long-overdue structural reforms. However, the finance minister has not disclosed the exact loan size Pakistan is seeking.

    If approved, this would mark the 24th IMF bailout for Pakistan. The ongoing negotiations reflect the country’s continued reliance on international financial assistance to navigate its economic challenges.

    Pakistan’s economy is projected to grow by 2.6 per cent in the current fiscal year ending in June, according to the finance ministry.

    Despite this modest growth, the country continues to face high inflation, which is expected to average around 24 per cent this fiscal year, down from a record high of 38 per cent in May 2023.

    As Pakistan navigates these economic hurdles, securing the final tranche of the IMF’s stand-by arrangement and potentially a new loan agreement could provide much-needed relief and lay the groundwork for longer-term stability.

  • Ayesha Omar praises Imran Ashraf’s gesture about consent on Mazaq Raat

    Ayesha Omar praises Imran Ashraf’s gesture about consent on Mazaq Raat

    Ayesha Omar has recently praised Imran Ashraf’s exemplary behavior on the popular show Mazaq Raat. Ashraf showed great respect towards a young girl and her parents, which impressed Omar. She emphasized the importance of such actions in educating society.

    During the episode, Imran Ashraf, the host of Mazaq Raat, showcased a beautiful moment of empathy and consent. Before interacting with a young girl named Muntsha, Ashraf paused to seek permission from her parents. “Can I touch? Is it allowed?” he respectfully inquired.

    This thoughtful gesture not only won the hearts of the audience but also garnered widespread praise on social media. The parents granted permission, allowing Ashraf to proceed with the interaction. Throughout the exchange, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and positivity.

    Ayesha Omar, reflecting on the incident, commended Ashraf for his respectful approach. She emphasized the importance of such actions in shaping societal norms, she said, “I want to tell you about the gesture you made on this show, you knew what your gesture was. When that girl came and sat with you, and you asked her mother if I could touch her hand, I think if we want to educate society, it will be through such simple gestures.”
    This heartwarming moment serves as a reminder of the power of respect and consent in fostering empathy and understanding. Imran Ashraf’s conduct sets a commendable example, earning him praise and admiration from both his peers and the audience.