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  • ‘Sab ki salary double hogi’; Bilawal Unveils Ambitious 10-Point Election Manifesto

    ‘Sab ki salary double hogi’; Bilawal Unveils Ambitious 10-Point Election Manifesto

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari presented an ambitious 10-point election manifesto during a public gathering in the party stronghold Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 16th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

    The manifesto, outlined on Wednesday, aims to establish a “pro-people” government after the upcoming February 8 elections.

    Here’s a breakdown of what Bilawal promised his party would do if they came into power:
    • Double salaries within five years
    • Free solar energy of 300 units for the poor; every district to have green energy parks
    • Education for all — rolling out projects for better education
    • Free health for all across Pakistan
    • Three million houses for flood affectees and the poor
    • Expand BISP’s scope; introducing more welfare schemes
    • BSIP-like programme for farmers and ‘Hari Card’
    • Enhanced support for labourers through Benazir Mazdoor Card
    • ‘Youth Card’ for unemployed youth and ‘Youth Markaz’
    • ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’

    At the core of the agenda is a commitment to double salaries and provide 300 free units of electricity per household. This goal is to be achieved through the creation of green energy parks in every district, focusing on harnessing solar and wind energy sources.

    In addition to economic measures, Bhutto-Zardari pledged to overhaul the health sector by replicating successful models such as NICVD, SIUT, and the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences across the country. Another significant project, titled ‘Apni Zamin, Apna Ghar,’ aims to construct three million houses nationwide.

    The manifesto also includes provisions for free education, the expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the introduction of Hari and Benazir Mazdoor Cards, and the establishment of youth centers in all divisional headquarters for career counseling and skill development.

    Bhutto-Zardari called for public support to navigate the current crisis, expressing confidence in the PPP’s ability to address national issues and strengthen the federation. Reflecting on the party’s past achievements, he highlighted the devolution of powers through the 18th Amendment and the successful implementation of the NFC award.

    The PPP chairman criticized certain politicians without naming them, accusing them of engaging in politics to evade legal challenges and jail time.

    “I had told my team that I wanted to contest from Lahore. I’ll take the battle to Lahore. Let’s see what happens,” he said.

    “Is it Lahore’s destiny that the same person will be installed for the fourth time?” Bilawal said while taking a jibe at the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, who is eying a record-fourth term as the country’s prime minister.

    “Our paths are different with that of those we were in government for 16 months,” Bilawal said while referring to the PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government of which the PPP was a key part.

    Former President Asif Ali Zardari, speaking on the occasion, reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the promises made by his son. He criticized the central administration in Islamabad for its detachment from the struggles of the common people, contrasting it with the PPP’s “people-centric” approach.

  • The most controversial dramas of 2023

    The most controversial dramas of 2023

    As this year ends, we’ve picked the most controversial dramas of 2023, a tough job since so many serials keep throwing out objectionable stories. These dramas stood out in the sea of shows, focusing on themes like marriage and family conflicts. They’ve earned recognition for capturing large audiences and getting top ratings but also angered parts of the audience with misogynistic or sexist content.

     Here’s the list for the most controversial dramas of 2023:

    1. Mayi Ri

    Writer: Sana Fahad
    Director: Meesam Naqvi
    Channel: ARY Digital

    Mayi Ri, aired on ARY Digital, created waves in the drama scene, garnering attention, criticism, while also generating significant discussion. Considered a game-changer, it proved pivotal for stars like Aina Asif and Samar Jaffry, and marking a significant comeback for Maya Khan. While anticipated to address child marriage issues, the drama’s controversial content led to divided opinions.  Despite criticism, the drama amassed a massive fan following defending its storyline against perceived problems.

    2. Jurm

    Writer: Sana Fahad
    Director: Mehreen Jabbar
    Channel: Geo Entertainment

    Jurm was another mini-series this year which cannot be overlooked. It was the first mini-series of its kind which had it all – drama and mystery. Jurm also marked Mehreen Jabbar’s comeback to television and she made her presence felt in a way that only she can.

     The story follows a newlywed couple deeply in love, willing to go to any lengths for each other. Their happiness takes a hit when Wahaj is attacked by thugs, and his wife gets kidnapped. Despite Wahaj appearing innocent due to his injuries, suspicions arise suggesting his possible involvement in the abduction of his wife. However, Jurm’s underwhelming end was the worst part of the series.

    3. Jaisay Aapki Marzi

    Writer: Naila Jaffri
    Director: Saba Hameed
    Channel: ARY Digital 

    Jaisay Aapki Marzi is a current favorite among viewers. It’s not just a show earning good ratings; many women, in particular, find it relatable. Unlike other dramas, it strikes a chord with the audience, connecting with their experiences and resonating with their lives.The story of drama revolves around Aleezay’s journey. She dreams of a successful career and living life on her terms but succumbs to parental pressure, marrying Sheheryar.

    The plot unfolds as Aleezay grapples with a harsh reality—a marriage into a family dominated by abusive clinical narcissists.Despite some repetitive elements, it remains engaging, particularly when approached without a critical perspective. Mikaal Zulfiqar and Kiran Naz’s performances receive praise for their exceptional quality.

    4. Hadsa

    Writer: Zanjabeel Asim
    Director: Wajahat Rauf
    Channel: Geo Entertainment 

    Hadsa, the story of a rape survivor, landed in a perfect social media storm. Critics alleged that the serial insensitively portrayed a sensitive and distressing subject. Rape is a serious issue, and it’s crucial for media outlets and creators to consult with experts and survivor advocacy groups when tackling such topics. The drama, aired on Geo, left many expressing discomfort due to its perceived mishandling of the sensitive subject and its resemblance to a real-life horrific incident on the motorway in 2020. Supporters said that the drama highlights struggle and bravery of a rape survivor who fights against sexual violence.

    5. Tere Bin

    Writer: Nooran Makhdoom
    Director:  Siraj-ul-Haq
    Channel:  Geo Entertainment

    Tere Bin has gained immense popularity, winning the hearts of millions worldwide. Its engaging storyline and outstanding performances have made a lasting impact on television, creating a remarkable presence in the entertainment landscape. As the highly popular Pakistani drama Tere Bin nears its conclusion, fans are preparing to bid a bittersweet farewell to the beloved characters of Murtasim and Meerab. Meerab and Murtasim, childhood friends, experience separation when Meerab is forced into a marriage she doesn’t want. After years apart, they reunite, and their bond evolves into love.

    The series explores themes of love, separation, and the chance for a fresh start.But a surprise allusion to a marital rape scene cast a negative light on the chemistry between the lead cast. The shocking scenes stirred heated reactions on social media, with Tere Bin trending on Twitter. People voiced their concerns to the makers, questioning the decision to include such content at a time when women in Asian nations are already grappling with domestic violence issues.

  • ‘No, babies are not dropped from the skies’, Sarwat Gilani haters get schooled

    ‘No, babies are not dropped from the skies’, Sarwat Gilani haters get schooled

    Joyland star Sarwat Gilani recently announced the birth of her baby girl.

    In the months preceding the delivery, she shared pictures of her baby bump. While some showed love, the morality police criticized her for being “vulgar”.

    People, however, came out in droves to support Sarwat Gilani.

  • Indian teacher dies while giving lecture about good health

    Indian teacher dies while giving lecture about good health

    A professor at Kanpur’s Indian Institute of Technology died of cardiac arrest on stage while delivering a speech on a health-related topic. Sameer Khandekar’s last words reportedly were “Take care of your health….” after which he collapsed. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival.

    The professor, 52, was speaking at an alumni meet on the campus on Friday evening. He was the head of the mechanical engineering department and also served as Dean, of student welfare. According to Indian media, he had been grappling with cardiac health problems since 2019.

  • Court stops Imran Khan’s in-camera trial in cipher case till January 11

    Court stops Imran Khan’s in-camera trial in cipher case till January 11

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stopped the trial of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s trial in the cipher case till January 11 next year.

    Judge Miangul Hassan of the IHC issued a ruling in response to an appeal filed by the former Prime Minister where he had contested both his indictment and the proceedings related to the cipher case conducted by the special court established under the Official Secrets Act.

    Previously, during the hearing of the case, Justice Aurangzeb dismissed a plea from Usman Gul, the lawyer representing the PTI chief, requesting a stay on the trial. The judge clarified that the court would proceed by issuing notices before releasing any orders.

    In this matter, the IHC issued a notice to the federation and asked Usman Gul to submit all the necessary documents regarding the case at the next hearing.

    Pointing out the irregularities in the cipher case, the PTI lawyer argued in court that a first information report (FIR) had been filed before the submission of the official report.

    The judge asked the PTI council what the point of the petition was. “The point is that the legal procedure was not completed before the indictment,” said the lawyer, responding to the judge.

    The lawyer also said that a legally authorised individual can file a petition in court.

    “You are saying that an authorised officer can file a complaint directly,” asked the judge.

    Imran Khan’s lawyer requested the IHC direct the trial court to conduct the hearing after five or six days. “The trial court can complete the trial in the meantime,” he added.

    “How many witness statements have been completed so far?” the judge questioned.

    The lawyer responded that a total of 27 witnesses have recorded their statements before the court.

  • Gaza authorities accuse Israel of stealing organs from 80 Palestinian bodies

    Gaza authorities accuse Israel of stealing organs from 80 Palestinian bodies

    Israel has been accused of stealing organs from 80 Palestinian bodies by Gaza’s authorities.

    “The media office denounces in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation army’s disdain for the dignity of the bodies of our 80 martyrs that Israel had stolen during its genocidal war because it delivered them mutilated,” read a statement.⁠

    “After examining the bodies, it is clear that the features of those killed had changed greatly in a clear indication that the Israeli occupation had stolen vital organs from them,” the statement added.

    Earlier, the bodies of about 80 Palestinians killed by the Israeli army during its ground invasion, were returned to Gaza and buried in a mass grave at Tel al-Sultan Cemetery.

    The Ministry of Health in Gaza received the bodies on Tuesday through the Israeli-controlled Karem Abu Salem fence crossing in southern Gaza, according to AFP. 

    Health workers in plastic robes removed the bodies, which were covered in blue plastic sealed with zip ties from the truck. The bodies were then brought by a bulldozer for burial in a mass grave.

    ”The UN had informed us in advance of the arrival of several martyrs to the Gaza Strip, estimated to be around 80 bodies,” Marwan al Hams, the director of Mohammed Yousef El-Najar Hospital in Rafah city.

    “The bodies arrived inside a container, some intact, while others were in pieces, and some others had decomposed,” he added. Al Hams noted that the bodies were “transferred to the cemetery for burying” and the health and justice ministries would investigate the bodies for possible “war crimes.”

  • YouTube giant Mr Beast challenges Pakistani YouTuber

    YouTube giant Mr Beast challenges Pakistani YouTuber

    One of the world’s most famous and richest YouTubers, MrBeast (222 million subscribers) has challenged Pakistan YouTuber Zalmi (2.14 million subscribers).

    Zalmi is famous for completing 24-hour challenges on YouTube. MrBeast does 24-hour challenges too, and some of them are very expensive.

    In his video challenge MrBeast said, “How are you going Zalmi. I know you do a lot of 24-hours challenge videos on your YouTube, and I was thinking why don’t we spice it up and do a 50-hours challenge. I am on my laptop and there is an island called Astola, I want you to spend 50 hours on this island, but I bet you can’t do it.”

    Zalmi promptly replied in a video, “MrBeast chose a few people for dares and he thinks we can’t do this challenge but we will”.

    Astola Island is located in Arabian Sea, the East of Pasni district of Balochistan, Pakistan, with an area of 6.7 square kilometer.

    Zalmi completed the video challenge of 50 hours after which MrBeast commented on his video stating’ “Congrats on completing the challenge, thanks for the love”.

    It should be noted that MrBeast is the second biggest YouTuber in the World after India’s T-Series (256 million subscribers on YouTube).

    Here is the full challenge video:

  • Khawaja Asif sends Rs1 billion defamation notice to Usman Dar, his mother

    Khawaja Asif sends Rs1 billion defamation notice to Usman Dar, his mother

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khawaja Asif has sent a defamation notice of Rs 1 billion to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar and his mother.

    According to the notice, Dar and his mother, Rehana Dar, made false allegations to defame the PML-N leader, asking them to pay Rs 1 billion within 14 days.

    Both the leaders belong to Sialkot and have contested elections against each other from the National Assembly’s NA-73 constituency. Khawaja Asif has defeated Dar in the match up.

    After a police raid on Dar’s house earlier this month, Rehana Dar alleged that the former federal minister was behind the operation, stating in a video statement that cops forcefully entered into her residence, physically tortured her, and pulled her hair.

    “When they heard that I was submitting my nomination papers, they [Asif] sent 20 people to my house,” she claimed.

    The PML-N leader also said while speaking on Geo News’ programme “Capital Talk” on December 20 that Usman Dar wants to restore his reputation after quitting politics.

  • Canada’s ‘Startup Visa Program’ with no education, experience, job requirement or age limit

    Canada’s ‘Startup Visa Program’ with no education, experience, job requirement or age limit

    Umair Saleemi, journalist for BBC Urdu, shed light on Canada’s ‘Startup Visa Program’ in his latest piece:

    Every year, thousands of people from India and Pakistan migrate to America, Canada and European countries for better opportunities and a brighter future.

    Therefore, any changes in immigration and work visa laws or the introduction of any new programs are closely monitored in these countries.

    As Canada has changed the work permit law this month, Canadian authorities extended work permits for 18 months due to increased demand in the labour market during the Covid era, which is being phased out from January next year.

    Since then, Canada has initiated a startup visa program has been hailed by some experts as a golden opportunity.

    The program is mainly for talented foreigners who want to establish their own small businesses or startups in Canada.

    Certain criteria have been set to assess the quality of a startup, including innovation, creation of new jobs for local people and ability to compete globally.

    Who can apply for a Canadian Startup Visa?

    To apply for a Canadian start-up visa, a candidate must have a valid business. It is important that the candidate owns the shares of the business. One must hold 10 per cent or more of the company’s shares and have voting power (at shareholders’ meetings).

    A maximum of five people can apply in this program. It is important that the startup is supported by a Canadian organisation or ‘designated body’ and a letter of support is issued.

    Your business must operate from Canada, have its main activities from Canada and be established in Canada.

    In addition to mastering the English language, knowledge of French can further help your startup succeed in Canada. Canadian visa rules require the applicants to be fluent in speaking, writing and understanding either English or French.

    The startup visa candidate also has to provide evidence to the Canadian government that they have the resources to support themselves and their dependents. Candidates cannot manage this money by borrowing money.

    Immigration expert Julie Desai told BBC Gujarati that a startup visa is quite different from a normal work permit visa. Its aim is only to attract businessmen and entrepreneurs to Canada.

    The most important requirement is that the candidate’s business must be innovative enough to create new jobs in Canada, Desai explains. This visa is not for general business people — such start-up plans are needed that they can compete in the world.

    Under this program, the financial resources required by a family can be determined by the number of its members. If only one person wants to go to Canada under this program, one will need 13757 Canadian dollars. This amount can increase if other family members also want to go along. It will also be important to see if the Canadian authorities revise this amount every year.

    Meanwhile the candidate needs a ‘Letter of Support’ for start-up from a recognized business group in Canada. For this the candidate approaches these organisations and assures them that their startup idea deserves support.

    Candidate has to contract with these institutions for a letter of support as this letter is proof that a Canadian investor, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator, supports the candidate’s idea.

    In addition, accredited organisations also issue Canadian Government ‘Certificates of Commitment’ to candidates. The government then verifies both the letters for the visa application.

    The Canadian government may ask for more information about your startup to review the information.

    The Canadian government may reject the application if the letter of support or other requirements are not met.

    Immigration lawyer Prashant Ajmera asserts that it is very important that the startup plan has the support of Canadian organisations, that the candidate has a detailed business plan, and to have knowledge of the Canadian market.

  • ‘Tone-deaf’; Hania Amir slammed for wearing Zara

    ‘Tone-deaf’; Hania Amir slammed for wearing Zara

    Hania Amir, actress and influencer, is under fire for wearing Zara clothes in a photo posted on social media. The brand is currently being boycotted worldwide for a controversial advertisement campaign in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza.

    Model Kristen McMenamy was photographed standing in a room with mannequins covered in white shrouds surrounded by rubble. Netizens couldn’t help but see similarities with bodies of people killed in Gaza, wrapped in funerary shrouds.

    A user commented that for someone as chronically online as Hania Amir, “You’d think she’d know what to promote with her big following, like seriously? Zara?”.

    Hania’s comment section started flooding with messages about her choice of dress. “How tone-deaf do you have to be to do this? You are not definitely unaware of how Zara is a pro-israel brand and how it recently mocked the Palestinian martyrs in its latest campaign,” a follower commented.