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  • ‘Psychiatrist told me I had manic depression’, Mahira opens up about mental health

    ‘Psychiatrist told me I had manic depression’, Mahira opens up about mental health

    Superstar Mahira Khan was a guest on Frieha Altaf’s podcast where she opened up about learning to face her mental health struggles, especially after stepping into Bollywood with the Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Raees’, and the 2017 incident where pictures of her smoking with Ranbir Kapoor emerged online. She also talked about the 2016 Uri attack, after which Pakistani actors were banned from working in Bollywood.

    Reflecting on that time, the actress revealed she dealt with immense backlash, calling it “unexpected”.

    Mahira said she was getting scary calls, hateful messages to the point that she couldn’t travel to India to promote ‘Raees’, which was heartbreaking and it began creating anxiety and depression. The ‘Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay’ actress revealed she was constantly seeing her image on television screens, and getting hateful messages telling her to leave India, and it escalated to the point that her faith broke.

    “I developed severe anxiety to the point that one day I had a panic attack and fainted’ recalled Mahira. “That’s the first time I went for therapy.”

    “But that didn’t work out, as I went to several therapists. But either I was not opening up, or the therapist sitting across me would be looking at me with awe thinking ‘what would she have to complain about’?”

    Raees released in 2017, the same year Mahira’s Pakistani film ‘Verna’ released across Pakistan, and at the same time, the picture scandal happened.

    “I couldn’t sleep, my hands would shake,” the ‘Bin Roye’ actress confessed.

    Mahira said she eventually visited a psychiatric hospital, where she was informed that she had manic depression. The actress said for the past six or seven years she has been on anti-depressants. She once tried quitting the meds in the middle which put her in a dark hole.

    “I did understand that there is something beyond me. Beyond the prayers i will do, beyond the friends that will cheer me up, beyond work and success. There is something not right, and it’s okay.”

    The ‘Superstar’ actress said that by talking about her mental health struggles and breaking the stigma surrounding the topic, she hoped more people would learn to approach others for help rather than treat it with shame.

    “I talk it every chance I get. This is the first time I’m opening up about the fact that I’ve been taking medicine for so many years. And when I tried leaving it like I said it was bad… And I was again in and out of hospitals trying to get help. But yes, everybody has ups and downs, bad times and happy times, but clinical depression is real like any other mental illness or physical illness.”

  • Lahore City Police issues traffic plan for Asia Cup matches

    Lahore City Police have issued a traffic order for the three One-Day International (ODI) matches of the 2023 Asia Cricket Cup, which will be played at Gaddafi Stadium from September 3 – 6.

    Lahore traffic police chief officer (CTO) Captain (retired) Mustansar Feroz said the three ODI matches in regional capitals have been done with proper road arrangements.

    About 2000 police personnel, 10 deputy superintendents, and 110 traffic officers will execute duties during the matches. Superintendence of Police (SP) Sadar Malik Ikramullah, SP city police Shehzad Khan, and SP Headquarters Sohail Fazil will lead the force.

    These officers will execute their duties at hotels, airport, Gaddafi Stadium, and parking points near the stadium. Additionally, 20 fork lifters will be working to handle wrong parking.

    “Cricket fans can park their vehicles at Govt. Collage Gulberg, Liberty parking, and LDA plaza” Captain (retired) Mustansar Feroz added.
    On the arrival of the Afghanistan Cricket team, foolproof security was provided to them from the Airport hotel under the supervision of (CTO) Captain (retired) Mustansar Feroz.

    Moreover, arrangements had been made from the hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium and then back to the hotel.
    “Roads will be closed for a short period during the arrival and departure of the teams and then all diversions will be opened,” Captain (retired) Mustansar Feroz said.

    Read More: Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 cricket kit unveiled

    Traffic will run as usual on Canal Road, Mall Road, Ferozepur Road, Jail Road, and Main Boulevard Gulberg Road, he added.

    He further stated that the traffic coming from Canal Road, Mall Road, and Jail Road will enter the college’s main gate from Ferozepur Road. They will also be guided by the Rasta App and Rasta FM 88.6 and via Social media.

    The first match of the Asia Cup 2023 will be played on August 30 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore between Pakistan and Nepal.

  • PTI files a petition in court to conduct elections within 90 days of National Assembly dissolution

    PTI files a petition in court to conduct elections within 90 days of National Assembly dissolution

    Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court (SC) asking for general elections to be conducted in Pakistan within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA), Geo has reported.

    The petitioner, Omar Ayyub, who is also PTI’s Secretary General, requested the court to direct President of the country Dr Arif Alvi to announce a date for the elections and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to issue an election schedule accordingly.

    On the other hand, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has asked the electoral body to issue an election schedule along with the delimitation schedule in order to avoid any confusion. On Monday, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) supported the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding elections after the delimitation of constituencies.

    According to the ECP’s official statement issued after the meeting, both parties made their stances clear in front of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja, who was also part of the meeting.

  • ‘I am upset’ Maryam Nawaz worried about public’s high bijli bills, says father can save everyone

    ‘I am upset’ Maryam Nawaz worried about public’s high bijli bills, says father can save everyone

    Chief Organiser and Senior Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has stated that just as the country was saved from the risk of default within 16 months, similarly, her party under the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, will also lessen public burden of inflation and skyrocketing electricity bills.

    “We saved Pakistan from default within 16 months, and now we will shield the people from inflation. It’s upsetting that the public has to face challenges like inflation and increased electricity charges,” she said during a meeting with leaders and officials of the party’s Punjab Women Youth Wing in Lahore.

    “If the process of development had not been halted, there would not have been any tears in the eyes of the common man today. The issues of today have emanated from the four-year era of project Imran,” she added in reference to arch-rival Imran Khan who was deposed through a Vote of No Confidence in April 2022.

    Maryam stated that only an elected government will be capable of curbing the demon of inflation and of initiating a period of progress and contentment.

    “InshaAllah, just as we eradicated load-shedding, terrorism, and lawlessness in Karachi, we can also control inflation. Nawaz Sharif is the guarantee of Pakistan’s progress, and he alone can liberate us from all these issues,” she said.

    She also reviewed the performance of the women youth wing and said that she feels pride in seeing the active participation of many women in political activities.

    Maryam said that it is her desire that more party tickets should be given to the youth in the next election because the youth have the ability to make Pakistan a strong country.

    She claimed that female students like the PMLN leadership because of their performance, claiming that her party had become the largest youth and women’s party in the country.

    “PMLN leadership has always empowered the youth, they were provided with laptops and interest-free loans for decent employment,” she said.

  • Who are the people using free electricity in Pakistan?

    A sharp hike in electricity bills has led to public protests across the country with consumers burning electricity bills collectively to express their objection to the exorbitant sums. The protesters are demanding that free electricity is not given to WAPDA employees and other officials because it is the general public who has to bear its burden — something they can no longer do.

    We News’ reporter, Bilal Abbasi, has investigated the amount of electricity being used every month by individuals like the Prime Minister, President, Supreme Court and High Court Judges, Federal Ministers, Chairman NAB, Governor State Bank, Senior Bureaucrats and senior government officials.

    Here are the details that We News has uncovered:

    During presidency, unlimited power unit; after retirement, 2000 units per month

    According to the President’s Salary, Allowances and Privileges Act 1975, unlimited electricity units will be provided to the President and after their retirement, the President will be able to use 2000 units per month for free.

    After the death of the president, 2000 units of free electricity will be provided to his widowed wife.

    Similarly, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is also provided unlimited free electricity.

    The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and other judges have the right to use 2000 units of electricity during and after their service.

    A High Court Judge is provided 800 units of free electricity after retirement.

    22 thousand rupees for utility bills to the Federal Minister

    As per public perception, electricity provided to federal ministers and members of assembly is free of charge; but that isn’t so. Federal Ministers are paid 22,000 rupees in monthly salary to pay all utility bills, while Members of the Assembly are not paid any amount for any utility nor for their official residence ‘Parliament Lodges’.

    Similarly, senior bureaucrats also pay their own electricity bills.

    Chairman NAB 2000 units, Governor State Bank unlimited electricity units

    Chairman NAB is also provided with free electricity units equal to judges of the Supreme Court. They are provided with 2000 units of electricity per month for free.

    The Governor State Bank, however, is provided with unlimited electricity free of cost and the amount is paid by the State Bank. The officers of government institutions are also provided free electricity, but the relevant department/institution pays their bills to WAPDA.

    How many billions of rupees of electricity did WAPDA employees use for free in a year?

    Heavy units are provided free of charge to WAPDA employees and those working in power generation and transmission.

    According to statistics presented by the Ministry of Energy in the Senate Committee, 189,000 WAPDA employees were provided with 34 crore units of electricity for free in a year, using electricity worth 8 billion rupees for free.

    How many electricity units are provided free to WAPDA officers?

    WAPDA earning officers start getting free electricity units from 16th grade onwards. 16th grade officers are provided with 300 units per month, 17th grade officers with 450 units per month, 18th grade officers with 600 units, 19th grade officers with 880 units per month, 20th grade officers with 1100 units while 21st and 22nd scale WAPDA officers are provided with 1300 per month. These power units are provided free of charge. The perks are provided after retirement as well.

  • Petrol and diesel prices expected to surpass Rs300 per litre this week

    As global oil rates surge and the rupee’s value against the US dollar weakens, there are growing indications that petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan could soon breach the significant Rs300 mark. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is reportedly contemplating recommending a substantial increase in petroleum product prices for the upcoming fortnight, in an attempt to address the challenges posed by these economic dynamics.

    Sources indicate that if the proposal is approved, petrol prices might experience a sharp upswing of around Rs12 per litre, while diesel could see an even more substantial increase of Rs14.83 per litre. These potential hikes, set to take effect from September 1, 2023, have sparked concerns about their impact on the already high inflation rate, which currently stands at 28 per cent.

    A senior official from the Energy Ministry has expressed apprehensions regarding the potential consequences of these price adjustments. Balancing the need to mitigate citizens’ financial burdens with the demands of existing agreements, the government is grappling with a challenging decision. Notably, any attempt to counteract the price hikes could put the caretaker government in a precarious situation, as it might be perceived as a default on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) stipulations tied to a $3 billion standby agreement (SBA) loan.

    The depreciation of the rupee against the dollar has further fueled the need for these adjustments. With the dollar’s value reaching Rs301.75 in the interbank market and around Rs319 in the open market, the impact on petroleum prices is undeniable. The authorities have decided to recalibrate their calculations, opting for a dollar rate of Rs299 to account for the recent Rs12 exchange rate impact.

    Beyond the exchange rate, the recent surge in LC (letter of credit) confirmation charges, marked by a 10 per cent increase, has also played a role in pushing petroleum prices upwards. These charges have contributed to the overall increase in the cost of PSO (Pakistan State Oil) petroleum products. Presently, Mogas (motor gasoline) is priced at Rs290.45 per litre; however, this could rise by Rs12 per litre if the recommendations are greenlit. Similarly, the price of HSD (high-speed diesel) might surge from Rs293.40 per litre to Rs308.23 per litre, assuming the proposed Rs14.83 increase goes into effect.

    According to The News, of particular concern is the potential hike in diesel prices, given its primary use in powering heavy transport vehicles, trains, and various agricultural engines. This ripple effect could raise the cost of essential commodities, putting pressure on consumers’ wallets. 

    On the other hand, a surge in petrol prices would directly affect private transportation, rickshaws, two-wheelers, and small vehicles, disproportionately impacting the budgets of middle and lower-middle-class citizens. The impending decision on petroleum prices presents a delicate challenge for the government, requiring a careful balance between economic realities, inflation concerns, and public sentiment.

  • Son beats father over land dispute; video causes outrage

    Son beats father over land dispute; video causes outrage

    This weekend, a distressing video clip in which a son is brutally beating his father alongside another man in Pakpattan’s Gulshan Farid Colony, was doing the rounds on social media.

    A woman is also seen in the clip, encouraging the son to beat his father.The situation arose due to a property dispute involving four kanals of land.

    Resultantly, Pakpattan Police arrested two suspects, including the son, Fahad Rasool and his ally Zulfikar.According to ARY news, the father, Ghulam Farid, is already bedridden.

    People on X (formerly Twitter) condemned the incident with anger.

    https://twitter.com/InayaAjaz/status/1696159152018526301?s=20

    And while people thanked Pakpattan police for swift action, they criticised the blurring of their faces, stating that the culprits should be made an example.

  • Fact check: Islamabad Police confirm elderly protester is safe, debunking suicide rumours

    Fact check: Islamabad Police confirm elderly protester is safe, debunking suicide rumours

    In the midst of ongoing nationwide protests against escalating electricity bills, rumours of a tragic incident have emerged, capturing the attention of social media users and news outlets alike. A post that quickly gained traction depicted an elderly man, purportedly driven to despair by soaring electricity prices, who tragically took his own life by jumping off a bridge in Rawalpindi.

    The accompanying image showed the man lying on the road, an electricity bill resting on his chest. However, an investigation by the Islamabad Police has since confirmed that these claims are false.

    The viral post elicited an outpouring of sympathy and concern from prominent social media figures and digital news platforms, who shared the purported tragedy with deep sadness. However, as the post gained momentum, it also caught the attention of the Islamabad Police. Responding to the viral news, the authorities swiftly addressed the situation, clarifying that the incident as portrayed never occurred.

    In an official statement, the Islamabad Police stated, “The case of an elderly citizen jumping from a bridge has been circulating on social media. However, there is no truth to this news. While the elderly citizen did fall during the protest, he later safely returned home. Videos of this incident went viral among citizens on social media platforms. It’s important for citizens to refrain from disseminating such false information and instead report any suspicious activities by calling 15.”

    This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that accurate information plays in shaping public perception and understanding of events. As protests continue to unfold across Pakistan, staying vigilant against the spread of unverified news is paramount to upholding the integrity of the ongoing discourse.

    Read more: Taxes in your electricity bill: What Pakistanis are paying and what for?

    It is crucial for both individuals and media outlets to exercise responsible reporting, ensuring that the facts are presented accurately and without distortion.

  • Jaranwala and Sargodha incidents were a foreign conspiracy: IG Punajb

    Jaranwala and Sargodha incidents were a foreign conspiracy: IG Punajb

    Inspector General Police, Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has claimed that no incident like Jaranwala and Sargodha will happen in Punjab again, asserting that the police have “broken the network” of a foreign intelligence agency and the two incidents were “a conspiracy against Pakistan”.

    Punjab Police has uploaded a 4-minute long video on X (formerly Twitter) in which Dr. Usman Anwar explains in detail what led to the two gruesome incidents. He is apparently referring to human rights organisations.

    He pointed out that Christian women were treated badly in the neighbouring country and as a result, a resolution was presented in the European Union condemning the atrocities on Muslims and Christians. Concerns were also raised in North America.

    This was followed by a series of strange incidents like the Jaranwala tragedy and then the desecration of the Holy Quran and conspiracy to harm the minority communities by inciting people started taking place — all to divert the world’s attention.

    “We need to understand this conspiracy and thwart it. More than 2500 police personnel in plain clothes have been deployed to suppress the evil elements, and such elements will be dealt with iron hands.”

    He also added: “We will not let pakistan become a scapegoat for the great injustice that was done across the border”
    IG Punjab has not named any country or intelligence agency as of yet but he assures he will “not let attention be diverted from the rapes and deaths and human rights violations” in Pakistan.

  • Massive ancient forest discovered 630 feet down sinkhole in China

    A recent scientific expedition ushered in the discovery of an ancient hidden forest located within a sinkhole in China.

    The secret forest is located more than 600 feet inside a sinkhole that is situated within karst bedrock near a village in Leye County, Guangxi Zhuang.

    The sinkhole is apparently one of at least 30 in the country. The researcher found three different cave entrances on May 6.

    The sinkhole is 492ft (150m) wide and has a volume of more than five million cubic metres. While the entire network of caverns is approximately 1,004ft (306m).

    Zhang Yuanhai, a senior engineer with the Institute of Karst Geology of China Geological Survey, spoke with Xinhua news agency. According to him, the sinkhole contains an incredibly well-preserved and primitive forest with trees stretching as high 130ft (40m) tall.

    https://twitter.com/dw_environment/status/1526934382157520896?s=20

    Chen Lixin, leader of the Guangxi 702 expedition, told Live Science that he “wouldn’t be surprised to know that there are species found in these caves that have never been reported or described by science until now”.