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  • Nadir Ali saved my life, reveals Sher Afzal Marwat

    Nadir Ali saved my life, reveals Sher Afzal Marwat

    Sher Afzal Marwat, the popular Pakistani politician and Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) lawyer has revealed that Nadir Ali saved his life through his pranks.

    In a YouTube show ‘Metatainment’ Sher Afzal Marwat discussed the difficult times he had faced in his life.

    “At a time in my life when I was a victim of problems, I used to think that strangers were harassing me. I was under mental stress. This was a period of one and a half or almost two years when I was in a lot of trouble. This was the time when there were peace issues in our area. My father was murdered, I was directly under attack, there was a lot of conflict in our tribe. There were many problems too.”

    Detailing his mental struggles, Marwat said, “I used to wonder why this life is so difficult. Many strange thoughts used to come into my mind, but Allah gave me courage.”

    Talking about Nadir Ali, he said, “These pranks, especially Nadir Ali who is a Pakistan famous prankster, I used to watch his pranks daily and I think his pranks saved my life. I used to watch his single video 10, 50 even 100 times.”

    “I am a big fan of his. I went to Karachi but didn’t get a chance to meet him or interact with him. If I am a fan of one person in my life, it is Nadir Ali.”

    Nadir Ali is a Pakistani famous prankster on YouTube who has four million subscribers.

  • Palestinian leader names adviser Mohammed Mustafa as PM

    Palestinian leader names adviser Mohammed Mustafa as PM

    Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has appointed Mohammed Mustafa, a long-trusted adviser on economic affairs, as prime minister, the official Wafa news agency said on Thursday.

    Mustafa’s appointment comes less than three weeks after his predecessor, Mohammed Shtayyeh, resigned, citing the need for change after the October 7 attacks leading to Israeli genocide in Gaza.

    The 69-year-old now faces the task of forming a new government for the Palestinian Authority, which has limited powers in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

    Since 2007, control of the Palestinian territories has been divided between Abbas’s Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

    Mustafa, who studied at George Washington University in the United States, is an independent executive committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation — dominated by the ruling Fatah movement.

    He has served as deputy prime minister for economic affairs, held a board seat at the Palestine Investment Fund and worked in a number of senior positions at the World Bank.

    He has also advised the Kuwaiti government and the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund.

    Mustafa was also involved in reconstruction efforts in Gaza after Israel’s 2014 invasion.

    ‘Right-hand man’

    Mustafa’s appointment represents an attempt to bolster Palestinian institutions and “close some loopholes in the Palestinian Authority” at a time when Abbas is “under siege and under pressure” from Israel and the United States, Palestinian analyst Abdul Majeed Sweilem told AFP.

    Mustafa would likely be seen as “acceptable to the Americans as he follows a liberal approach,” Sweilem added.

    The White House on Thursday welcomed Mustafa’s appointment, calling on him to deliver “credible and far-reaching reforms” as he prepares his cabinet.

    “A reformed Palestinian Authority is essential to delivering results for the Palestinian people and establishing the conditions for stability in both the West Bank and Gaza,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

    Yet Khalil Shaheen, political analyst and writer, said Mustafa’s closeness to Abbas limits prospects for major change.

    “In the end, the man (Mustafa) remains the right-hand man of President Abbas… Abbas wants to say that he supports reforms, but they remain under his control,” Shaheen said.

    The Israeli military offensive after October 7 in Gaza has killed at least 31,341 people, most of them women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.

    During the war, violence in the West Bank has flared to levels unseen in nearly two decades.

    Israeli troops and settlers have killed at least 430 Palestinians in the West Bank since the Gaza war began, according to the health ministry in Ramallah.

    The United States and other powers have called for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge of all Palestinian territories after the end of the war.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has rejected postwar plans for Palestinian sovereignty.

    Shortly after Shtayyeh’s resignation in late February, Palestinian factions including Hamas and Fatah participated in talks hosted by Russia that addressed the war in Gaza and post-war plans.

    Afterwards the factions said in a statement they would pursue “unity of action” in confronting Israel.

  • PTI instructs leaders to boycott five political talk shows

    PTI instructs leaders to boycott five political talk shows

    PTI’s core committee has barred party leaders from taking part in political talk shows hosted by five news anchors belonging to four different media channels in the country.

    According to a circular issued by PTI’s central media department, party leaders have been instructed to boycott the following anchors and shows:

    Kamran Shahid, Dunya News (Off The Front)

    Adil Shahzeb, Dawn News (Live with Adil Shahzeb)

    Muneeb Farooq, Samaa TV (Mera Sawaal with Muneeb Farooq)

    Shahzab Khanzada, Geo News (Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath)

    Saleem Safi, Geo News (Jirga)

  • PTI paying cost of two wrong decisions: Sher Afzal Marwat

    PTI paying cost of two wrong decisions: Sher Afzal Marwat

    PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat has said the party is paying the cost of two wrong decisions.

    Speaking on Geo News show Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, he said the first major mistake was committed when party founder Imran Khan gave instructions for a political alliance with the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Sherani.

    He said the second major mistake was the announcement of the inclusion into the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, adding that some people gave a sectarian colour to the issue and gave threatening messages to the PTI leadership.

    Later, Marwat said, the PTI suddenly decided to join the Sunni Ittehad Council.

    “These are two wrong decisions and their culprits should be determined because we lost more than 80 seats due to them.”

  • PSL 9: Multan Sultan defeat Peshawar Zalmi by 7 wickets in the qualifier

    PSL 9: Multan Sultan defeat Peshawar Zalmi by 7 wickets in the qualifier

    In the Qualifier of Pakistan Super League 9, Multan Sultans defeats Peshawar Zalmi by 7 wicket in National Stadium Karachi. Multan Sultans have also qualified for the PSL finals for fourth consecutive time.

    Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat.

    Peshawar Zalmi inning

    Peshawar Zalmi start was not good, Saim Ayub scored only one run and was dismissed by David Willey in first over. After that Muhammad Haris and Babar Azam scored a partnership of 47 runs but Muhammad Ali dismissed Haris on 22 runs. Apart from this Zalmi skipper Babar Azam scored 46 runs, Tom Kohler Cadmore scored 24, Rovman Powell scored 12 while Paul Wallter and Luke Wood scored 14 runs each.

    From Multan Sultans Usama Mir and Chris Jordan took two wickets each, David Willy, Muhammad Ali and Abbas Afridi also took one wicket each.

    Multan Sultans inning

    Chasing the target of 147, Sultans opener took a very good start by putting 61 runs on the board for first wicket. Multan lost their first wicket as Muhammad Rizwan was dismissed by Mehran Mumtaz on 15 runs. Apart from this Yasir Khan scored 54 runs, Usman Khan 36, Iftikhar Ahmed 22 and Johnson Charles scored 11 runs.

    From Zalmi Mehran Mumtaz, Aamir Jamal and Salman Irshad took one wicket each.

  • IMF mission holds crucial talks with FinMin Aurangzeb on $3 billion SBA

    IMF mission holds crucial talks with FinMin Aurangzeb on $3 billion SBA

    In a pivotal meeting held on Thursday, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, engaged in discussions regarding structural reforms and the viability of the energy sector with the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission.

    The mission’s visit is part of the second review process of the $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) established between Pakistan and the international lender.

    Key points of deliberation encompassed various facets of Pakistan’s macroeconomic landscape, including fiscal consolidation efforts by the government, structural reforms, energy sector sustainability, and governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

    Expressing a warm reception, the finance minister underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to collaborating with the IMF to drive forward the reform agenda, aimed at fostering economic growth and bolstering stability across Pakistan.

    During the meeting, Nathan Porter, head of the IMF mission, extended congratulations to Muhammad Aurangzeb on his appointment as the finance minister.

    Anticipations are high that the IMF mission’s visit could culminate in a staff-level agreement regarding the second review of the SBA.

    Since its inception in July 2023, Pakistan has received $1.9 billion out of the allocated $3 billion under the nine-month programme.

    Aurangzeb, articulating the government’s stance, outlined intentions to explore the possibility of acquiring a more extensive and prolonged Extended Fund Facility (EFF) within the IMF framework, with the overarching objective of attaining macroeconomic stability.

    Officials from Pakistan, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Energy Minister Musadik Malik, apprised the IMF team of the concerted efforts undertaken to implement the prescribed reforms, including the adjustment of energy tariffs.

    An official from the Finance Division, speaking on anonymity, disclosed the IMF’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s strides in meeting quarterly programmeme targets under the SBA.

    Simultaneously, discussions are underway to chart the trajectory of the subsequent programmeme, with deliberations leaning towards a more extensive endeavour valued at approximately $8 billion.

    Minister Malik elaborated on the government’s energy reform agenda, highlighting recent adjustments in electricity and gas prices aligned with the stipulated schedule.

    The recent levy hike on petrol and diesel, coupled with the augmentation of gas tariffs for domestic consumers, underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling key conditions outlined in the IMF’s final review.

    Economic analysts anticipate a seamless final review process, citing Pakistan’s commendable adherence to the IMF’s performance targets as a harbinger of success.

  • Israeli general in Gaza criticises political leaders

    Israeli general in Gaza criticises political leaders

    An Israeli general leading troops in Gaza has delivered rare public criticism of the country’s political leadership, demanding it “be worthy” of the soldiers fighting against Hamas in the Palestinian territory.

    Brigadier General Dan Goldfus, head of the 98th division deployed in Gaza’s main southern city of Khan Yunis, also appeared to enter into a row over exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service.

    He was subsequently summoned by the military leadership for his comments, which breached a long-standing taboo on uniformed officers publicly wading into politics.

    “You must be worthy of us,” Goldfus said of his country’s leaders, in comments broadcast on Israeli television on Wednesday.

    He called for Israeli politicians “to push aside the extreme, and adopt togetherness” in the Gaza following October 7 attacks.

    The general vowed that military commanders and soldiers would take responsibility for their actions.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far stopped short of assuming personal responsibility for Israel’s intelligence failures on October 7 and said any official investigations must take place after the war.

    “We will not run from responsibility. We bow our heads in light of our reverberating failure on October 7, but at the same time are leading forward,” the general said.

    Since Israel launched a ground offensive in Gaza on October 27, 249 soldiers have been killed in the Palestinian territory, according to the military.

    Addressing Israel’s political leaders, Goldfus called on them to ensure that “everyone takes part” in enlisting in the armed forces, in an apparent reference to ultra-Orthodox Israeli men being exempt from national service — a contentious political issue.

    Most Jewish men are required by law to serve in the Israeli military, but members of the ultra-Orthodox minority — known in Hebrew as Haredim — have long been given sweeping exemptions.

    Since the October 7 attack, public frustration over the exemption has resurfaced, adding pressure on Netanyahu’s governing coalition, which relies on ultra-Orthodox allies staunchly opposed to drafting Haredi men.

    Neither Netanyahu nor Defence Minister Yoav Gallant publicly responded to Goldfus’s remarks.

    Some lawmakers voiced their approval while others expressed dissatisfaction with the general making political statements of any kind.

    Yoav Segalovitz, a centrist opposition lawmaker, told Kan public radio on Thursday that “a uniformed officer needs to talk only about what’s related to his decisions or take off the uniform”.

    Writing in the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, columnist Nahum Barnea said that “with all respect to the heartfelt sentiments of the esteemed officer, fighting in Gaza doesn’t give him the right or the authority to express a position on political matters”.

    Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed at least 31,341 Palestinians since October 7, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry.

  • SBP sees surge of over $17 million in forex reserves

    SBP sees surge of over $17 million in forex reserves

    The latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) revealed a notable rise in the country’s foreign exchange reserves. During the week ending March 8, 2024, SBP’s reserves increased by $17.2 million, marking a 0.22 per cent growth, reaching a total of $7.91 billion.

    Additionally, Pakistan’s overall reserves experienced a surge, ascending by $131.3 million, or 1.01 per cent, week-on-week (WoW), to a sum of $13.15 billion. This increase was further complemented by a rise in reserves held by commercial banks, which climbed by $114.1 million, or 2.23 per cent, to reach $5.24 billion.

    In a significant development, the second review of the stand-by arrangement (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is slated to take place from March 14 to 18, 2024. This review holds particular importance as it marks the final assessment under the SBA. Upon reaching a staff-level agreement, the final tranche of $1.1 billion will be disbursed, subject to approval by the Executive Board of the IMF.

    It is noteworthy that in the current fiscal year, Pakistan has witnessed a substantial increase in its total liquid foreign reserves, amounting to $3.99 billion, or 43.57 per cent. Similarly, the ongoing calendar year has seen a rise of $0.48 billion, or 3.77 per cent.

  • Olivia Munn got all clear mammogram before being diagnosed with breast cancer two months later

    Olivia Munn got all clear mammogram before being diagnosed with breast cancer two months later

    Actor Olivia Munn revealed Wednesday that she had undergone a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The X-Men: Apocalypse and The Newsroom performer took to Instagram to tell followers her news, just days after she attended the Oscars ceremony with her partner, comedian John Mulaney.

    The 43-year-old said the cancer had been discovered almost a year ago after her doctor noted she was at elevated risk for the disease and suggested she undergo an additional scan, 12 months before a routine screening.

    “I wouldn’t have found my cancer for another year -– at my next scheduled mammogram,” she told followers. After initial tests, a biopsy was ordered. “The biopsy showed I had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Luminal B is an aggressive, fast-moving cancer,” she wrote, adding that the double mastectomy was performed 30 days later.

    “I went from feeling completely fine one day to waking up in a hospital bed after a 10-hour surgery the next,” she wrote in a post, with photos taken apparently during her treatment. “I’m lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day.”

    Munn walked the red carpet at Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, where Mulaney presented an Oscar, and later attended the celebrity-filled Vanity Fair after-party. 

    Munn’s small screen credits include The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as well as a role in Aaron Sorkin’s HBO drama The Newsroom. Her movie credits have included Magic Mike, The Predator and Office Christmas Party.

  • Toyota Yaris prices reduced by up to Rs133,000

    Toyota Yaris prices reduced by up to Rs133,000

    Indus Motor Company, the manufacturer of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, has announced a significant price adjustment for its Yaris sedan range.

    This adjustment, effective from Thursday, reflects a reduction in prices ranging from Rs73,000 to Rs133,000.

    The revised pricing structure for the Yaris lineup is as follows: the 1.3 MT LO, 1.3 CVT LO, and 1.3 MT Hi variants will now be priced at Rs4.326 million, Rs4.616 million, and Rs4.586 million, respectively, representing a reduction of Rs73,000 for each model.

    Additionally, the price of the Yaris CVT Hi has been lowered by Rs133,000 and is now priced at Rs4.766 million.

    According to Business Recorder, this decision comes in response to the recent imposition of a 25 per cent sales tax on vehicles priced above Rs4 million.

    By implementing these price cuts, Indus Motor Company aims to ensure that the Yaris remains within the 18 per cent sales tax bracket.

    Initially, the government’s decision to raise the sales tax was targeted at vehicles with engine sizes of 1,400 cc and above, as well as those priced above Rs4 million.

    However, it later extended to include SUVs below the 1,400cc threshold, prompting manufacturers to advocate for a Rs4 million price cap.

    As a consequence of this tax adjustment, certain models from Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki are now subject to the increased sales tax regime.