Blog

  • Afghani emerges as top-performing currency against US dollar 

    Afghani emerges as top-performing currency against US dollar 

    In the third quarter of 2023, the Afghani, the official currency of Afghanistan, has exhibited exceptional performance, marking itself as the standout currency in the global financial landscape. Its remarkable ascent against the US dollar, with a substantial 9 per cent surge since the commencement of July, stands as a testament to its resilience and strength. 

    This impressive trajectory positions the Afghani as the third-strongest performer among global currencies in 2023, trailing only behind the Colombian peso and the Sri Lankan rupee. This distinction underscores the Afghani’s resilience amid challenging economic circumstances. 

    In Afghanistan, the pivotal role of facilitating foreign currency transactions falls upon the numerous money exchange establishments known as “sarrafs.” These sarrafs are ubiquitous, dotting the landscapes of both urban centres and rural villages alike, serving as the lifeblood of currency exchange activities. 

    Among these financial hubs, the Sarai Shahzada market in Kabul takes centre stage as Afghanistan’s premier financial epicenter. It serves as a bustling hub where substantial sums of currency are traded daily, exemplifying the nation’s financial vitality. Remarkably, the central bank places no restrictions on these exchange transactions. 

    Due to stringent financial sanctions, a significant portion of funds flowing into Afghanistan from foreign nations now traverse through the age-old money transfer system known as Hawala. This venerable system plays a pivotal role in the operations of sarrafs, further cementing their significance in Afghanistan’s financial ecosystem. 

    It is noteworthy that the United Nations (UN) has identified Afghanistan’s dire need for approximately $3.2 billion in aid for the current year, with roughly $1.1 billion already disbursed. This underscores the critical importance of international assistance in alleviating the nation’s pressing humanitarian challenges. 

    A sombre backdrop to these financial dynamics is the fact that, just last year, the UN disbursed nearly $4 billion in aid as Afghanistan grappled with a dire famine that affected half of its 41 million citizens. This staggering statistic underscores the profound challenges faced by the Afghan population. 

    Since the Taliban’s resurgence in Kabul in August 2021, stringent currency controls have been imposed, disallowing the use of the US dollar and Pakistani rupee by locals and restricting online trading activities. While these measures have seemingly contributed to Afghanistan’s stability, the broader Afghan economy has suffered, with soaring unemployment rates exacerbating the nation’s humanitarian crisis. 

    Regrettably, a staggering 79 per cent of the population now languishes in poverty, with a distressing 44 per cent of the people unable to secure adequate nourishment. The plight of Afghanistan’s populace remains a pressing global concern, necessitating concerted efforts to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term economic stability. 

  • ‘Anti-Muslim hate speech increases in India around elections’: Hindutva Watch

    ‘Anti-Muslim hate speech increases in India around elections’: Hindutva Watch

    A recent report on Hindutva Watch by Raqib Hameed Naik, Aarushi Srivastava and Abhyudaya Tayagi titled ‘2023 Half-Yearly Report: Anti-Muslim Hate Speech Events in India’ reveals that there have been 255 documented incidents of hate speech in gatherings targeting Muslims in the first half of 2023.

    The watchdog used the definition of hate speech by the United Nations which states, “any form of communication, whether oral, written, or behavioral, that employs prejudiced or discriminatory language towards an individual or group based on attributes such as religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, color, descent, gender, or other identity factors.” This definition includes all forms of expression, including speech, writing or behavior, and specifically focuses on any language that is either discriminatory (biased, bigoted, or intolerant) or “pejorative” (prejudiced, contemptuous or demeaning) of an individual or group.

    It also notes that overwhelmingly, 205 (80 per cent) of these hate speech events occurred in BJP-ruled states and union territories. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat witnessed the highest number of hate speech gatherings, with Maharashtra alone accounting for 29 per cent of such incidents.

    Strikingly, seven out of the top eight states with the highest hate speech events are governed by the BJP and its coalition partners. Around 52 per cent of hate speech gatherings in BJP-ruled states and union territories were orchestrated by entities affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Bajrang Dal, the Sakal Hindu Samaj, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Overall, 42 per cebt of all hate speech gatherings in 17 states which includes two centrally controlled territories were organized by groups affiliated with the RSS.

    The report finds that approximately 64 per cent of the events in BJP-ruled states and union territories incorporated references to popular Hindu far-right anti-Muslim conspiracy theories. Overall, 51 per cent of all the hate speech gatherings in 17 states which includes two centrally controlled territories featured anti-Muslim conspiracy theories.

    A concerning 33 per cent of all the gatherings explicitly called for violence against Muslims and about 11 per cent of events included explicit calls for Hindus to boycott Muslims. Disturbingly, 4 per cent of all the events featured hate-filled and sexist speeches explicitly targeting Muslim women.

    Nearly 12 per cent of events featured calls to arms. Notably, 33 per cent of hate speech events took place in states that have already conducted or are set to conduct state legislative elections in 2023. Furthermore, over 36 per cent of these events occurred in states slated to hold legislative elections in 2024. In total, nearly 70 per cent of these events were reported in states with legislative elections either in 2023 or 2024.

    Hindutva Watch tracks the activity of Hindu far-right organizations and their members on social media, scraping data from X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Telegram to find verifiable videos of hate speech events. They also employ data scraping techniques to identify verifiable videos of hate speech events, followed by in-depth research conducted by a team of dedicated journalists and researchers. Additionally, they draw upon credible reporting from established news organizations to compile comprehensive data. To ensure the accuracy of their findings, they conduct verification processes, confirming the authenticity of the videos, their precise location, and the date on which they were recorded.

  • Here is a chance for Pakistani Swifties to finally watch Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ concert film

    Here is a chance for Pakistani Swifties to finally watch Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ concert film

    Pakistani Swifties can no longer complain about having a Cruel Summer because soon, they will get a chance to watch Taylor Swift’s upcoming concert film ‘The Eras Tour’ in theatres. Like the mastermind that she is, the singer announced today that her film is releasing worldwide on October 13, and Pakistan is among the 100 countries where it is screening.

    Needless to say all the local Swifties are screaming, crying, throwing storms.

    Taylor Swift announced the Eras Tour concert film on August 31 on her Instagram account, which is set to feature 44 performances ranging from all of her ten albums. The tour has received rave reviews from journalists, with Billboard calling it ‘must-see blockbuster of the year’ and Rolling Stone praising the ‘Anti Hero’ singer delivering a legendary performance every night.

    “The Eras Tour has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far and I’m overjoyed to tell you that it’ll be coming to the big screen soon Starting Oct 13th you’ll be able to experience the concert film in theaters in North America! Tickets are on sale now. Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged 1, 2, 3 LGB!!!! (iykyk)”

  • Mahira Khan’s ‘Razia’ is speaking about the plight of young women in Pakistan like no one else

    Mahira Khan’s ‘Razia’ is speaking about the plight of young women in Pakistan like no one else

    Bold, confident and hard-hitting, Mahira Khan is back once more and this time she is not afraid to hold up a mirror to society’s face. Her new drama ‘Razia’ is creating buzz on social media. Mahira is no longer the sweet and naive female lead as we have known her. She’s the narrator who tells the story of how a young girl born in a conservative household in Pakistan learns to overcome every hardship to chase her dream.

    From the get go, this show keeps you hooked by telling you a story we’re all familiar with, but every episode is a gut punch on how Pakistani girls are robbed of their dreams and hopes because of patriarchy. Mahira waltzes around the stage and speaks with the audience about the journey of the young girl Razia, whose birth was a disappointment for the grandmother who wanted a boy. From that point, she continues to be punished for the crime of being born a daughter.

    Two episodes in, and we’re already awed by how the show speaks out on the ways young women are deprived of their dreams, whether it is something as small as eating after their brother does, or as monumental as Razia’s father banning her from playing outside because she is older now. And already, some of the powerful monologues in the episodes are gaining praise on social media.

    A user praised this scene where in a monologue from episode 1, Mahira points out how young girls today are no longer murdered on their birth, but are today buried alive by the consistent backlash society imposes on them

  • ‘They do love marriages, then become a problem for court’: Chief Justice

    ‘They do love marriages, then become a problem for court’: Chief Justice

    Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa has remarked that having a beard does not make a person a Muslim, people themselves marry for love and then it becomes an issue for the court as per Aaj news.

    The case of the extradition of two minor girls was heard in the Supreme Court by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

    The court ordered the two girls to be handed over to their mother, ordering that the father of the girls will be able to visit the girls on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, and if the father violated the court order, contempt of court action will be taken against him.

    The lawyer of the father pleaded with the court that the girls should be with the father, as their mother works at night, and does not have time to take care of them.

    Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa expressed his anger and asked whether the lawyer has read the principle of extradition in Islam or not, stressing that according to Shariat, children stay with their mothers.

    The Chief Justice remarked that we are Muslims in name only, our work is not that of Muslims, just having a beard does not make a person a Muslim, action must also be taken. Prayer, fasting, and Hajj are not enough, he observed, adding that humanity and morals are also necessary. If the parents are not divorced, their mutual resentment will spoil the future of the children.

    The Chief Justice asked the children’s father whether he had a love marriage or an arranged marriage.
    Taimur, the father of the children, said that it was a love marriage.

    The Chief Justice remarked that people themselves marry for love, and then they become an issue for the court.

    The Supreme Court disposed of the case with the consent of the parents.

  • Pakistan defeat India in Asian Games volleyball match

    Pakistan defeat India in Asian Games volleyball match

    In the Asian Games being held in China, Pakistan won by 3-0 against traditional rivals India to secure the fifth position in the volleyball competition.

    Pakistan scored 21-25, 20-25 and 23-25, with Murad Jahan and Murad Khan performing brilliantly.

    It should be noted that Pakistan has made it to the top 5 in the Asian Games for the first time since 1990.

  • Nawaz Sharif will be arrested if not granted bail, says Sarfraz Bugti

    Nawaz Sharif will be arrested if not granted bail, says Sarfraz Bugti

    The caretaker interior minister, Sarfraz Bugti, has said that Pakistan Muslim Leauge- Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will be arrested on his return in case he is not granted bail.

    The former prime minister has been in London since 2019, and recently he announced his return on October 21.

    On the other hand, PML-N leader and former interior minister Rana Sanaullah responded to Sarfraz Bugti’s statement by saying that the interior minister should not cross his limits.

    Bugti said on Tuesday that if Nawaz Sharif is not granted bail, officials can arrest him at the airport.

    Reacting to Bugti’s statement, Rana Sanaullah said, “Sarfraz Bugti should see the fate of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid before issuing such remarks”.

    “Don’t try to elevate your political stature by making statements about Nawaz Sharif,” Sanaullah said, asking Bugti to stop worrying about Nawaz and concentrate on his duties.

    The former interior minister has also stated that on October 21, the interior minister will not decide where Nawaz would go from the airport.

    PML-N information secretary, Marriyum Aurangzeb, also gave a warning to Sarfraz Bugti by saying, “Mr Sarfraz Bugti, speak according to your political stature. Where Nawaz Sharif has to go from the airport is neither your problem nor your decision”. 

    In response to all the statements given by the PML-N leader, the caretaker interior minister clarified his statement and said, “My statement was given a political colour, out of context. The caretaker government has no political agenda”.

    He also observed that a larger number of PML-N supporters will welcome Nawaz Sharif on October 21.

  • Man arrested for growing marijuana at home in DHA

    Man arrested for growing marijuana at home in DHA

    A man has been arrested for growing and selling marijuana at a rented home in Defence Housing Authority, Karachi.

    Express Tribune reported on the snap check case.

    The suspect is a Canadian-Pakistani, identified as Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan. The man had created a controlled environment using air-conditioners to adjust temperature and moisture as required for the growth of the plant. He would then sell it.

    Credits: The Express Tribune
    Credits: The Express Tribune

    According to Excise and Taxation and Narcotics Control Department Secretary Atifur Rehman, the value of the seized cannabis plants is worth about Rs 15 million.

    He said that excise officials caught Sarfaraz during snap checking on Sunday. They recovered liquor and cannabis from his car and detained him for interrogation.

    Credits: The Express Tribune

    E&T team then raided his house where they discovered an indoor nursery of cannabis plants.

    Apart from air-conditioners, oxygen cylinders and concentrators were also used alongside LED lights for light control.

    Seed, fertilisers, and soil had been imported.

    Credits: The Express Tribune

    Excise secretary claims that the chances are that cannabis factories are functioning in other parts of the city as well.

    Sarfaraz has been produced before a magistrate to acquire a seven-day physical remand for interrogation.

  • Adnan Siddiqui has unusual reaction to criticism of his stint as host of ‘Tamasha Ghar’

    Adnan Siddiqui has unusual reaction to criticism of his stint as host of ‘Tamasha Ghar’

    The beloved reality television show ‘Tamasha Ghar’ ended on Sunday with contestant Aruba Mirza declared as the winner of the second season. Social media users are still criticising the way several well-deserved constants like actress Natasha Ali, model Zainab Raza or Neha Khan were removed. Many of these comments have targeted the host,’Badshah Salamat’ actor Adnan Siddiqui, who has now addressed them with a long note on Instagram.

    Posting a picture with the actor sitting on a throne chair during the finale, the ‘Mom’ actor wrote: “‘Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.’ Shakespeare’s King Henry IV poetically agonised how those in the seat of power are beset with restlessness and worry. The burden of responsibilities never ceases to lessen for them. From the vantage point of Badshah Salamat for Tamasha the second time round, I can see why the throne is a two-edged sword. It gets you power to take decisions but not without constant accountability. You aren’t allowed to slip, you can’t falter and you definitely cannot let your prejudices creep in.”

    The ‘Maat’ actor went on share that the job as a host of a reality show is not easy, with the scrutinising gaze of millions of viewers judging every decision you make: “While you are judging the housemates, you too are under scrutiny by them and by the millions who are watching you on the screen analysing your every move. Every decision that you take brings you bouquets or brickbats and sometimes both. How demanding it is to maintain a balanced approach? I’d say yes.”

    “Reality shows expose human beings at one of their most base levels,” continued the ‘Meray Pass Tum Ho’ actor. “When people are thrown together with strangers in a closed, hostile environment which is also competitive, your most basic instinct, that’s survival, is activated. There’s no loved one around to confide in, friendships are transactional, affection is a rare commodity and to top it all, they are always striving to outdo their fellow mates wittingly or unwittingly. For two years in a row, I have seen human emotions as raw as they could be inside Tamasha Ghar. And believe me, it takes immense mental strength to live under the glare of camera 24 hours for weeks together.”

    Ending the note, the actor requested fans to stop assuming they’re much better judges than he is, and to hold back on the criticism.

    “I have often been criticised for being biased by fans and supporters of the contestants. My comment section and DMs is their favourite playground these days. They not only feel short-changed sometimes but also are supremely confident that they would done a more objective, more fair job. I read the feedback, amused by the simplistic view the audiences offer. And I again go back to King Henry IV.”

    Adnan also added a cryptic note addressing the critics on his Instagram stories, with the caption: “There are many people out here who would be in great shape if they ran as much as their mouth does.”

    Read his complete statement here:

  • Babar Azam addresses fan concerns before departing for World Cup

    Babar Azam addresses fan concerns before departing for World Cup

    Before departing for India to play in World Cup 2023, Babar Azam said in a press conference today that his squad has made the Pakistan number one team. “I know who fights for me and for the team,” Azam said.

    Babar stressed that there is no pressure to play in India for the first time. “We know about the conditions, we have tried to get information from former cricketers, we are fully prepared for the World Cup, we will try to play well as a team”.

    Calling it an honor to play as captain, Babar said that his team is trying to win. “Because of these guys we have become number one, I am not convinced of many changes in the team. We didn’t play well in the two cup matches, the fielding was lacking, and we need to improve. Every match doesn’t have the same mistake, if you cover one mistake, another one happens.”

    Discussing strike bowler Naseem Shah’s injury, Azam said, “He will be missed in the World Cup, we will miss him a lot, he used to bowl with Shaheen, and he gave us a different vibe.”

    The captain said that ‘Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, in consultation with coach Mickey Arthur, has selected Hasan Ali because he has experience.”I can’t say yet who will bowl with Shaheen. He has given the same message to the national team. We have done it before and still have to do it, our focus is not on one match but on all, from 2019 we are playing eight to nine players together.”

    The captain added that spinners are very good. “I agree they have not performed but it is not that they are not good, it is not easy to play in the Pakistan team, they are good then they are in the team.”

    Regarding the central contract, Babar Azam said that it is being discussed and will be done soon, PCB has always thought well of the players, this time it will be good too.

    Read More: Early buyers report shocking defects in iPhone 15 Pro phones

    Moreover Babar Azam denied rumors of a fight with Shaheen Afridi.

    “There is nothing like that, we love each other like family,” said the national team captain.

    It should be noted that after the defeat by India and then Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, there were rumors about captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi having a verbal altercation in the dressing room.

    Later, before his wedding, Shaheen posted a picture with Babar captioned “family”.