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  • ‘Well-planned strategy disconnecting Imran Khan from PTI leadership’

    ‘Well-planned strategy disconnecting Imran Khan from PTI leadership’

    Political analyst Muneeb Farooq has claimed that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s disconnect with his party leadership is part of a well-planned strategy.

    Appearing on the Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath,’ Muneeb Farooq said, “There is a well-thought strategy behind disconnecting PTI leadership with Imran Khan.”

    “It is done by design and strategy, and it has worked for the government and establishment,” he added.

    Citing the possibility of a permanent disconnection between Imran and party leadership, Muneeb Farooq remarked, “Powerful and well-connected people believe that Imran Khan’s genuine jail [sentence] has just begun.”

    Responding to the incumbent government’s effort and attention in tabling the twenty-sixth constitutional amendment, Farooq declared it to be akin to World War Three: “The first draft of the constitutional amendment was like an atom bomb.”

    He maintained that constitutional amendments would be passed in phases and added that the new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and judge appointment method will be considered of paramount importance in phase one.

    Farooq concluded by saying, “Till this time, the Federal Constitution Court seems to be established soon.”

  • One Direction star Liam Payne dies in shocking accident

    One Direction star Liam Payne dies in shocking accident

    Liam Payne, former member of the popular band One Direction has died at the age of 31 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 16, 2024.

    According to police reports, emergency services were called to an upscale hotel in the Palermo neighborhood after receiving a 911 call about an aggressive individual. Upon arrival, they heard a loud sound from an interior courtyard, where they discovered Payne’s body. Authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, with an autopsy scheduled to determine the cause.
    Emergency medical services director Alberto Crescent shared that Payne suffered ‘serious injuries’ but did not provide details about the fall from the hotel balcony. Meanwhile the UK Foreign offices is in in contact with Argentinian authorities, but no further information has been disclosed.

    Argentina media outlets reported that an emergency call from a hotel manager reported a guest on drugs, destroying his room on the property.
    The hotel manager told the operator the room has a balcony, expressing fear that they might put their life at risk.

    The Buenos Aires security ministry said in a statement that when officers arrived, the hotel manager reported ‘the death of a man who had jumped from the balcony of his room.’

    American Singer Charlie Puth posted a story on his Instagram saying, “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone.”

    Just hours before his death Liam shared a story on Snapchat with a video of himself and his partner Kate Cassidy, in which he said, “lovely day here in Argentina.”

    Liam Payne became famous as a member of One Direction, a boy band that was formed on the X Factor TV show in 2018 along with Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.

    On March 25, 2015 Liam Payne separated from One Direction.

    Here is the story of American Singer:

    Here are some songs of Liam Payne with One Direction:

  • What Sajid Khan told Joe Root before bowling him out?

    What Sajid Khan told Joe Root before bowling him out?

    Pakistani left-arm spinner Sajid Khan has said that as English batting maestro Joe Root came to bat, he told the Britisher something personal.

    “I said to him, ‘Youre my dream wicket,’” the spinner told the media at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. ,”As soon as Joe Root came to bat, I told him I’ve played against your brother in England, but you are my dream wicket, so he started laughing. But that was my dream and most prized wicket today.”

    Calling Root a “great cricketer”, Sajid said that he was happy to take the prized wicket. “Thank God that my performance was good in the second day’s game against England, will try to get England out early,” he remarked.

    “In the beginning, I conceded runs, but I kept bowling in my way and got wickets”, he told members of the press.

    In response to a question about missing a run-out while fielding, he said, “I was disappointed to miss a run-out, as I am a fielder, it should not have happened. Harry Brooke plays on the back foot, and I noted that. I bowled to him accordingly and dismissed him.”

    He then went on to talk about his personal life: “I have been playing cricket from a young age; I work hard. I feel a passion when I play for Pakistan, I play for the star on the shirt. I played only in the final in the Champions Cup, then I went to play in the department. I kept myself fit and continued to practice even though I was not in the national team. I did not get a chance in the Bangladesh series, but now I have, and I have given my best. I will try to perform.”

    Sajid Khan has taken seven wickets for 111 runs in the first innings of the second Test against England in Multan.

    Pakistan has a 75-run lead in the second innings after the English team was bowled out for 291 runs.

    Earlier, Pakistan scored 366 runs in the first innings.

  • Sajid Khan turns table for Pakistan: England bowled out for 291 runs

    Sajid Khan turns table for Pakistan: England bowled out for 291 runs

    The English cricket team has bowled out for 291 runs in the first innings of the 2nd Test match in Multan Cricket Stadium.

    England started their incomplete first innings with 239 for 6, but at 248, Sajid Khan dismissed Brydon Carse for four runs and took his fifth wicket of the innings, while Sajid also bowled next man Matthew Potts on six runs.

    Jack Leach scored 25, while Shoaib Bashir scored nine runs for England.

    Sajid Khan took seven wickets for Pakistan

    Pakistan inning:

    In the first innings of the second Test match, the Pakistani team was all out by scoring 366 runs; the national team started its incomplete first innings at 259 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, then the wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan was out by scoring 41 runs for the gain of just five runs. Done. Agha Salman, 31, and Sajid Khan, two runs, proved to be guests.

    Aamir Jamal and Nouman Ali formed a partnership of 49 runs for the 9th wicket, but Aamir got out after scoring 37 runs; later, Nouman Ali was caught by Jack Leach after scoring 32 runs.

    On behalf of England, Jack Leach took four wickets, Brayden Carrs took three wickets, Matthew Potts took two wickets, and Shoaib Bashir took one wicket.

    Day one of the second Test:

    Abdullah Shafiq started the innings in the second Test match but failed again and returned to the pavilion with an individual score of just 7. Captain Shan Masood 3 and Saud Shakeel were guests for four runs.

    Later, Saim and Kamran stabilized Pakistan’s score by establishing a partnership of 149 runs, but Saim scored 77 runs and lost his wicket.

    Kamran Ghulam, who scored a century on debut, was the top scorer by playing an innings of 118 runs.

  • Taxed for holding back: Banks face 197 billion rupee bill for avoiding private sector loans

    Taxed for holding back: Banks face 197 billion rupee bill for avoiding private sector loans

    Bankers across Pakistan grow uneasy as their pleas to get tax exemptions fall on deaf ears.

    The government, as per the conditions attached to the IMF loan, can not exempt banks from the “additional” tax of PKR 197 billion.

    The reason why banks find themselves in this situation is because of their excessive lending to the government. As per lending regulations, banks are not supposed to withhold loans from the private sector while extending credit to the government.

    To discourage this practice, the government introduced a tax rule in 2022 to encourage banks to increase the number of loans to the private sector. Three major banks alone face a staggering PKR 71 billion tax bill alongside other banks that did not comply with this rule.

    While lawmakers in Islamabad have expressed interest to relieve banks of these additional taxes, IMF rules have their hands tied. Earlier in the year, tax exemptions were in the works. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif scrapped the idea.

    Following the glaring silence and lack of action regarding the exemption of additional taxes, banks might now scramble to give out billions in loans to the private sector to avoid the tax.

    This spells great news for businesses who are seeking loans as the current situation will likely ease borrowing. With the two per cent State bank slash in interest rates last month and the possibility of future decreases, it seems like high time for businesses to start expanding using debt.

    The primary beneficiaries of the potential loans will most likely be small businesses. The reason behind this is their lack of assets to pledge as collateral to secure funding alongside the lack of good will that currently exists as a result of a non-existent credit history.

    Ultimately, though, through paying taxes or extending loans, the banks will have to contribute. Either way, the economy is likely to benefit – whether by reducing the federal budget deficit or by fueling business activity.

    The choice may not favour the banks, but the country is likely to benefit regardless.

  • New grading system announced for 9th class, first-year students; passing marks increased

    New grading system announced for 9th class, first-year students; passing marks increased

    The Federal Ministry of Education has introduced a new grading system for passing exams in the country.

    The Ministry of Education announced that the grading system will be applied to the 9th and 11th grades in the first phase. The grade point average, i.e. GPA or CGPA, will be counted instead of the marks system.

    The chairman’s inter-board committee has introduced a grading system at the secondary and higher secondary levels. 10 point grading system will be applied Instead of 7 points grading system.

    Grades will include A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, D, E, and U.

    The grading system will be implemented in the academic year 2024. The minimum passing marks in the examinations have been increased from 33% to 40%. From 2025, only the grading system will operate in colleges and universities.

    According to the Federal Ministry of Education, Federation, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan have implemented the new grading policy.

  • Greenlight for Pak-India cricket series?

    Greenlight for Pak-India cricket series?

    Pakistani senior journalist Azaz Syed has claimed that Pakistan and India might soon play a bilateral cricket series.

    Taking to his X (Previously Twitter) account, Azaz wrote, “Breaking: #Pakistan #India agreed to the first talk on #cricket resumption. Details will be finalised later. For more details on my news, keep watching @geonews_urdu and #TalkShock on YouTube.”

    The talks between foreign ministers of Pakistan and India on the occasion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference started with cricket, Azaz reported for Geo News.

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy is scheduled in Pakistan in February next year. Discussions have been started on this matter from both sides.

    Last, Pakistan and India played the bilateral series in 2012-13. This series consisted of Two T20 and Three ODI matches played in India. The T20 series was drawn by 1-1, while Pakistan won the ODI series by 2-1.

    Champion Trophy 2025 and India’s participation:

    The Champion Trophy is scheduled for February of next year in Pakistan. All teams have confirmed their arrival, while India’s participation is yet to be confirmed.

    In July, Indian media claimed that India would not visit Pakistan for the event, saying that some matches of the Champions Trophy would be held in the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka on a hybrid model.

    However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla denied these claims, saying that the Indian government would make the final decision.

    The Telegraph Report on Champion Trophy:

    UK publication ‘The Telegraph’ has reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering different venues for India’s matches, including the final of the trophy. The final could be shifted from Lahore to Dubai. The final is scheduled to be played in Gadafi Stadium in Lahore on March 9, 2025.

    Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are likely to host India’s matches if needed, The Telegraph has reported.

    ICC chief executive’s statement about Champions Trophy:

    On September 12, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice confirmed now that there are no plans to move the Champions Trophy from Pakistan.

    He said, “No team has hesitated to play in the tournament. All teams are committed to playing in Pakistan. Despite previous challenges, all participating teams are determined to play in Pakistan.”

    The ICC Champions Trophy will host eight elite teams based on their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup: India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

    Pakistan is currently the defending champion of the Champions Trophy. The Pakistan cricket team, led by former captain Sarfraz Ahmed, won the Trophy in England in 2017, defeating India in the final.

  • English vlogger rates this Pakistani dish as best in the world

    English vlogger rates this Pakistani dish as best in the world

    English travel vlogger and digital content creator Harry Jaggard has been travelling across the world to try different national dishes.

    His fun videos not only show mouth-watering food but also help people learn about different cultures through them. In his latest video, he explored Pakistan and tried a very popular dish called nihari.

    “Pakistani nihari is traditionally served with naan or paratha, nihari was originally a dish served to the royalty in the Mughal court and was eaten, early in the morning, after the Fajr prayer,” he said.

    After tasting the nihari, Jaggard was amazed by the flavours and gave it an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. He added, “I am going rate this nihari 9.6 out of 10.

    What is Nihari? Nihari is a stew that comes from Lucknow, a city in India; it was popular during the Mughal Empire in the 18th century.Nihari is made by slow cooking of meat. People usually use beef, lamb, or mutton.In Pakistan and Bangladesh, people often eat nihari with naan, a type of flatbread.

    In addition to nihari, Harry tried other national dishes from around the world he rated: Khichi from India at 9.3, Turkish Kebeb from Turkey at 9.2, The Afghan Grill from Afghanistan at 9.5 and Masgouf from Iraq at 9.3.

    These ratings show the delicious variety of food available globally, but nihari stood out in his tasting adventure. If you are in Pakistan and you want to try nihari, check out these famous places:

    Muhammad Nihari House (Lahore)Javed Nihari (Karachi) Al Qamar Nehari (Multan) Majeed Nihari (Rawalpindi)

    As Harry continues to find the best national dishes, his praise for Pakistani nihari will encourage more people to try this finger-licking dish.

  • Why do PIA flight crew members go missing in Canada?

    Why do PIA flight crew members go missing in Canada?

    Another Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight crew member has reportedly gone missing while on duty after landing in Canada.

    The missing crew member, Mohsin Raza, is originally from Islamabad.

    Raza was scheduled to board a flight from Toronto to Karachi on October 13, 2024. However, he went missing during a layover in Toronto.

    Dawn’s reports suggest he was found missing from his hotel room.

    A PIA spokesman has announced that an investigation has been initiated against the missing crew member.

    Despite attempts to tackle the issue, the number of flight attendants missing in Canada is increasing more frequently.

    12 crew members have gone missing in a year, putting PIA under immense pressure.

    Earlier this year, in February, an air hostess left, leaving a “thank you PIA” note behind her.

    Experts cite low pay and a lack of job security within the national airline as the primary reasons behind these alleged instances of slippage, but above all, it tarnishes the image of the country on an international level.

    The Current spoke to Alan James, an immigration lawyer from Canada, working with the Ace Luxury Group – a multi-national consulting agency – about the reason behind the escapes of Pakistani flight attendants from Toronto.

    People like Pakistani flight attendants are “effectively” able to seek asylum in Canada as they claim prejudice in their own country.

    “Each case is different, yet if they can prove persecution or danger from a political or religious family, Canada is open to helping such individuals,” he explained.

    He also mentioned that asylum cases, on average, take six months to one year.

    The Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation was told in August that PIA’s privatisation project would be completed by October 1. The national flag carrier stopped reaping fruits in 2011.

    The caretaker setup had decided to privatise the loss-making state-owned institute back in June 2023 upon the insistence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The Election Commission intervened and asked the government to “refrain” from finalising it.

    Then, in April, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the process of privatising PIA would be finalised by the end of June or early July, but it was delayed until October 1.

    However, it has been stalled again because the bidding company is demanding 100 per cent share ownership instead of the previously discussed 60 per cent.

    Notably, the airline’s deficit has reached 500 billion rupees, which is close to not functioning at all.

  • Foreign currency deposits rise to nearly $6.7 billion in September

    Foreign currency deposits rise to nearly $6.7 billion in September

    Foreign currency deposits witnessed slight increase of $55 million, or 0.83 per cent, reaching $6.69 billion as of September 2024, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. 

    On an annual basis, deposits surged by $303 million, showing a 4.75 per cent rise. 

    The data shows that resident foreign currency deposits stood at $5.84 billion during the month under review, marking a 1.05 per cent increase from the previous month’s total of $5.78 billion. Compared to the same period last year, the rise was 4.15 per cent, up from deposits of $5.6 billion. 

    For those unaware, these deposits play a crucial role in financing Pakistan’s fiscal and external current account deficits. In September 2024, $647 million was utilised to support the country’s exports, while $1.38 billion went towards import financing.

    Read more: Gold price jumps to record high of Rs277,200 per tola

    Furthermore, $1.06 billion was placed with the SBP, with $84 million and $393 million held within Pakistani banks and abroad, respectively.