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  • Gold price in Pakistan remains unchanged on first trading day of the week

    Gold price in Pakistan remains unchanged on first trading day of the week

    On the first trading day of the week, gold prices in Pakistan maintained stability while witnessing a slight uptick in the global market.

    According to data provided by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the local market reported no change in the price of gold per tola, standing firm at Rs228,200.

    Similarly, the rate for 10 grammes of gold remained unchanged at Rs195,645.

    This follows a notable decline in gold prices observed in the previous session, where rates plummeted by Rs4,200 per tola.

    However, on Monday, the international market witnessed a modest increase in gold prices. With a premium of $20, the global rate of gold rose by $2, settling at $2,187 per ounce, as reported by APGJSA.

    Meanwhile, silver rates in the domestic market remained stable at Rs2,580 per tola, showing no significant fluctuations.

    The consistent performance of precious metals in Pakistan reflects a steadiness in the market amid global economic dynamics.

    The stability in gold prices locally, coupled with the marginal gain in the international market, underscores the cautious sentiment prevailing among investors amidst evolving geopolitical and economic factors.

  • Two out of five Yemeni children out of school: aid group

    Two out of five Yemeni children out of school: aid group

    Dubai: Nearly a decade into Yemen’s brutal war, some 4.5 million of its children are not attending school, the charity Save the Children said Monday.

    The figure underlines how precarious daily life remains in the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country, despite relative calm since an April 2022 ceasefire.

    “Two in five children, or 4.5 million, are out of school, with displaced children twice as likely to drop out than their peers,” the group said in a report.

    “One third of families surveyed in Yemen have at least one child who has dropped out of school in the past two years despite the UN-brokered truce,” it added.

    The conflict in Yemen began when Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa in September 2014, prompting Saudi Arabia to lead a coalition to prop up the internationally recognized government months later.

    Economic insecurity amid the war has plunged two thirds of Yemen’s 33 million inhabitants below the poverty line, the charity said, while also displacing about 4.5 million people.

    “Displaced children are twice as vulnerable to school dropouts,” Save the Children said.

    “Nine years into this forgotten conflict, we are confronting an education emergency like never before,” said Mohammed Manna, Save the Children’s interim country director in Yemen.

    “Our latest findings must be a wake-up call and we must act now to protect these children and their future.”

    The report said 14 percent of families interviewed by the aid group pointed to insecurity as the reason behind their children dropping out.

    But a larger majority — some 44 percent — pointed to economic reasons, in particular the need to support family incomes. Some 20 percent said they were unable to afford regular school costs.

    “The impact of the education crisis on Yemen’s children and their future is profound,” the charity said.

    “Without immediate intervention, an entire generation risks being left behind.”

  • Women arrested for stealing Uzma Kardar’s jewellery accuse police of beating, stripping them

    Women arrested for stealing Uzma Kardar’s jewellery accuse police of beating, stripping them

    Four women, detained for allegedly stealing jewellery belonging to PML-N’s Member of Punjab Assembly Uzma Kardar, have accused police of physical torture and stripping them in the presence of the MPA during the investigation process.

    The jewellery theft case was registered at the Model Town police station. However, the suspects, who are employees of a private housing society club have denied the allegations.

    The MPA suspected that two instructors and two club employees were involved in the theft. It was stated in the FIR that after attending the assembly session, she had gone to the club for swimming. She put the jewellery in her purse, which was kept in the club’s locker. Upon her return, she found out that jewellery worth Rs4-5 lakh had been stolen.

    SP Model Town told The News that four female employees of the club were detained after registration of the theft case. They were released after Uzma Kardar’s husband was taken into confidence on the matter. He said the club management also vouched for them and declared them innocent. He said the matter was still under investigation with the help of club’s surveillance cameras and management’s statements.

    MPA Uzma Kardar has called it “completely fabricated lies just to cover up systematic theft”. She emphasised that the women were investigated in front of her and were not detained for the night.

  • Singapore makes Israeli embassy delete ‘insensitive’ Palestinian post

    Singapore makes Israeli embassy delete ‘insensitive’ Palestinian post

    Singapore made the Israeli embassy in the city-state take down an “insensitive” social media post about the Palestinians over the weekend after warning it could inflame tensions, the interior minister said Monday.

    The Israeli genocide in Gaza and deepening humanitarian crisis in the besieged strip since October 7 have divided opinion across the world.

    The post reportedly said Israel was mentioned 43 times in the Koran but Palestine — the name Palestinians give to what they hope will become their independent, sovereign state — was not, according to local media.

    Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said he asked Singapore’s foreign ministry to tell the Israeli embassy to remove the post made on Sunday after learning about it, which the mission immediately did.

    “That post on the Israeli embassy social media page is completely unacceptable. I was very upset when I was told about it,” Shanmugam told reporters, according to a transcript.

    “It is insensitive and inappropriate. It carries the risk of undermining our safety, security and harmony in Singapore.”

    Shanmugam said the post had been taken down.

    “Posts like these can… inflame tensions, and can put the Jewish community here at risk. The anger from the post can potentially spill over into the physical realm,” he added.

    The Israeli embassy was not immediately available for comment.

    Singapore has condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel but has also said that Israel’s military response “has now gone too far”.

    The health ministry in the Gaza Strip on Sunday put the total death toll in the territory at 32,226, most of them women and children.

  • Indian director Anurag Kashyap will charge money for meeting people

    Indian director Anurag Kashyap will charge money for meeting people

    Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has criticized those in showbiz who waste his time.

    Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Don’t waste my time.”

    The filmmaker expressed frustration in a lengthy statement. “I wasted a lot of time trying to help newcomers and mostly ended up with mediocre s*. So, now onwards, I don’t want to waste my time meeting random people who think they are creative geniuses.”
    To everyone’s shock, Anurag went on to state his rates for newbies in the field interested in meeting with him. He said, “So I will now have rates. If someone wants to meet me for 10-15 minutes, I will charge 1 lac, for half an hour, 2 lacs, and for 1 hour, 5 lacs. That’s the rate.”

    He also said, “I am tired of wasting time meeting people. If you really think you can afford it, call me or stay the f*** away. And all paid in advance,” he capped the note. In the post’s caption, the Bombay Talkies director wrote, “And I mean it: Don’t text or DM or call me. Pay and you will get time. I am not a charity, and I am tired of people looking for shortcuts.”

  • Dr Mehboob suspended from GC University after harassment allegations

    Dr Mehboob suspended from GC University after harassment allegations

    Dr Mehboob Ahmed, Assistant Professor of the English Department in Government College University, Lahore, has been suspended till an inquiry into the allegations of harassment against him are completed.

    In a notification issued by the Vice Chancellor of Government College University, it has been said that till the investigation of the incident, Assistant Professor Dr. Mehboob will only be able to come to the college in connection with his case. “The Vice Chancellor has directed Dr Mehboob is suspended till the outcome of the probe is unveiled. He is directed to visit the campus only when he is officially invited to attend the proceedings of the probe,” the notification stated.

    All the staff of the university, including the faculty and the director of the English department, have been barred from issuing any statement about the incident.

    Vice Chancellor GCU says that they are worried about the incident that happened in the English department on March 19 and that the harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

    In a video that emerged on March 20 shows the professor being beaten up by a former student in front of university staff and some students. Consequently, many students took to social media complaining to have witnessed the perverse attitude and demanding an investigation into the matter.

    Read more: Is GCU’s administration backing alleged harassers?

  • Tazeen Hussain opens up about father Talat Hussain’s Health

    Tazeen Hussain opens up about father Talat Hussain’s Health

    Actor and educator Tazeen Hussain recently appeared on Good Morning Pakistan where she talked about her special bond with her father, the famous Talat Hussain. Tazeen shared heartfelt stories about her father’s role in their family and gave updates on his health, remembering his kind nature. She said that she and her siblings often found comfort in being around their father.

    Talking about her father’s significant influence, Tazeen highlighted his cultured upbringing and his dedication to teaching valuable lessons to his children. She said, “My dad was artistic and open-minded, like most artists are. He never stopped us from doing what we wanted. We were scared of Mom, not Dad. He never scolded us. He took care of us when we were hurt. He would kindly give us medicine even when we didn’t want to take it.” Tazeen continued, “We received a lot of love from Dad.” She also mentioned, “With my father, I grew up as a girl and as a woman. There was never any distinction between boys and girls in our house. We were all treated equally. My father always respected women.”

    However, among the happy memories, Tazeen talked about her father’s current health problems. “He’s getting older now,” Tazeen began. “With age come a few illnesses. Dad has dementia, your memory starts to decline.” Although he still knows who she is, Tazeen shared, “He recognizes us, so it’s not too bad. Some days are slower, and remembering people is a bit harder. But on other days, he can recognize them. Some days, he doesn’t want too much mental activity. But otherwise, he walks around, wants to go for a drive, eats, and drinks, thank God.”

    The veteran actor got a chest infection, which made his health worse and he had to go to the hospital. “Recently, he got really sick,” she said. “He had a chest infection, so he had to stay in the hospital. But thanks to all the prayers from his fans and well-wishers, it was like a miracle. He came back home from the hospital, walking on his own feet.”

    Even though the icon is still dealing with health issues, Tazeen wants fans to know he’s doing okay for now. She admitted that sometimes he has slower days, but his strength and determination keep everyone hopeful and positive.

  • Azaan talks about emotional reunion with father Adnan Sami Khan after years

    Azaan talks about emotional reunion with father Adnan Sami Khan after years

    Azaan Sami Khan, musician, composer, singer, and actor, is the son of famous celebrities Adnan Sami Khan and Zeba Bakhtiar. Recently, Azaan Sami Khan was on ARY Digital’s Ramadan show ‘Shaan E Suhoor’ hosted by Nida Yasir. The host asked him about meeting his father after years.

    Azaan said, “I reunited with my father when I turned 15. Before that, we stayed in touch until I was five. Reconnecting with him at fifteen was a significant experience for me, and I learned a lot during that time. We often learn important things from our closest family members, especially when we reconnect after a long time. You also notice many positive qualities in them. Every family goes through challenges, and ours became public because of my parents’ fame. Our reunion followed a period of reconciliation. We both wanted to reconnect, and despite encountering some differences, we managed to resolve our issues last year. There was a time when I felt angry about his absence, but now I look at things differently. I try to find positivity in every situation.”

  • PTI wants  EU to public report on February 8 polls

    PTI wants  EU to public report on February 8 polls

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded on Monday that the European Union (EU) publish a report on the February 8 general elections. 

    “The EU report on the elections should be made public,” PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

    Hasan confirmed that the EU delegation visited Pakistan before the elections and gave its report on the general elections directly to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    “The EU report is very sensitive and important,” he added. The party has repeatedly complained about alleged widespread rigging and manipulation of election results in last month’s general elections, stating that its mandate was’stolen’.

    The former ruling party’s founder, Imran Khan, had also written to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), calling on the global lender to hold an audit of the election results before approving any new loan for Islamabad—aa demand excused by the Washington-based lender, citing its “narrow mandate on economic issues” and saying that it does not comment on domestic political developments.

  • SC seeks details of military trials of civilians

    SC seeks details of military trials of civilians

    The Supreme Court (SC) has sought details of civilians being tried in military trials over their alleged role in May 9 riots. A six-member bench — led by Justice Aminuddin Khan and including Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Azhar Hasan Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan — heard a set of intra-court appeals (ICAs) against its Oct 23 unanimous ruling nullifying the military trials of civilians.

    The case references 103 civilians currently in army trials for their alleged involvement in attacks on army installations.
    It is important to note that last year, a five member bench had unanimously declared military trials of civilians as null and void.

    However, on December 13, ruling on an appeal filed by the then-caretaker federal government and provincial governments of Punjab, KPK, Balochistan, in a 5-1 majority verdict, the SC conditionally suspended its previous ruling.

    Recently, former CJP Jawad S. Khawaja, who is one of the petitioners to challenge military trials, had requested for an early hearing, stating that continued presence of civilians in military custody was worrying. His counsel also objected to the size of the bench saying, “It is my request to the court to urge the SC committee to constitute a nine-member bench.”