Tag: Pakistan

  • Bilawal Bhutto Zardari likely to become foreign minister once again

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari likely to become foreign minister once again

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is likely to become foreign minister once again as his party inches closer to a power sharing deal with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Express Tribune reported on Sunday.

    Insiders within both parties believe that Bilawal will join Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet as foreign minister. The sources of The Express Tribune claimed that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who had not agreed to become part of Shehbaz’s cabinet, is now ready to play the role of foreign minister.

    Both parties are figuring out the details of when PPP will officially become part of the federal cabinet.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wanted the PPP to be part of the federal cabinet before the presentation of the budget in the first week of June.

    It is still not clear whether PPP will join the federal cabinet before or after the budget.

    However, sources told Express Tribune confidently that the PPP will be part of the federal cabinet soon.

  • Massive relief for PTI as Supreme Court accepts SIC appeal on reserved seats

    Massive relief for PTI as Supreme Court accepts SIC appeal on reserved seats

    The Supreme Court on May 6 suspended the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) verdict on reserved seats while accepting the Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) plea against the high court’s ruling.

    A three-member bench headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah heard the SIC’s plea filed through Advocate Faisal Siddiqui last month.

    The court called the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as it had rejected the SIC’s (PTI allied party) plea depriving it of reserved seats.

    Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah stated that “Basic principle of democracy & constitution is people mandate should be reflected in the parliament.”

    He also remarked, “Where it is written in the constitution & Elections Act that reserved seats would be re-allocated to the other parties [PMLN and PPP].”

    Journalist Asad Toor tweeted “After today’s suspension of 23 reserved seats of coalition Govt in National Assembly, Federal Govt lost two-thirds majority in the Parliament.”

  • 3 exciting Green Entertainment dramas you’ll love watching

    3 exciting Green Entertainment dramas you’ll love watching

    In the realm of Pakistani entertainment, Green Entertainment continues to carve a niche with its diverse and compelling dramas. From heartwarming love stories to gripping tales of family dynamics, Green Entertainment presents viewers with an array of narratives that resonate with audiences across the globe. Let’s delve into the latest offerings from this production house and explore the captivating stories awaiting viewers.

    1. Dil Manay Na: A Tale of Adoption Dilemmas

    At the heart of ‘Dil Manay Na’ lies a poignant narrative surrounding adoption dilemmas and familial relationships. Madiha Imam portrays Hania, a young woman who discovers that she was adopted at a young age by her mother, Dr. Shabana, depicted by the talented Sania Saeed. As Hania grapples with this revelation, she must navigate the complexities of her identity and confront the challenges within her family.

    The stellar cast, including Shahood Alvi, Noreen Gulwani, and Aina Asif, delivers powerful performances that breathe life into the characters. With themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, ‘Dil Manay Na’ promises to resonate with audiences on a profound level.

    2. Let’s Try Mohabbat: A Love Story with a Twist

    ‘Let’s Try Mohabbat’ presents a refreshing take on the classic love story, infused with light-hearted moments and heartfelt emotions. Mawra Hocane and Danyal Zafar shine as Fiza and Zohan, two individuals entangled in the complexities of love and societal expectations. As they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship, viewers are drawn into a world filled with romance, humor, and unforeseen challenges.

    Mirza Gohar Rasheed adds depth to the narrative with his portrayal of a character whose love story remains unfulfilled. With a stellar ensemble cast and a storyline brimming with optimism, ‘Let’s Try Mohabbat’ offers viewers a delightful escape into the world of romance.

    3. Pas-e-Deewar: Intense Drama with Dark Twists

    ‘Pas-e-Deewar’ takes viewers on a captivating journey through the intricacies of marriage, adversity, and resilience. Noor Zafar Khan and Arsalan Naseer lead the cast as Ujala and Iftikhar, a young couple whose seemingly perfect life is shattered by unseen enemies and unforeseen circumstances. As they confront financial struggles and dark intentions, their bond is tested in ways they never imagined.

    With compelling performances and a gripping storyline, ‘Pas-e-Deewar’ immerses viewers in a world filled with tension, emotion, and unexpected twists. Ali Rehman Khan’s portrayal of the chief antagonist adds an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

  • No minister of Religious Affairs as five thousand hajj applications wait to be reviewed

    No minister of Religious Affairs as five thousand hajj applications wait to be reviewed

    There are only four days left for the commencement of Hajj flights, but a permanent minister for Religious Affairs and a Secretary in the ministry, have not been appointed yet.

    No progress could be made on the issue of 5,633 applications that failed in the Hajj lottery due to the non-appointment of a permanent minister and secretary of the department, reports Geo News.

    No request has been sent to the Prime Minister for the pilgrims who failed in the lottery.

    As per statistics, this year about 160,000 pilgrims will go to Hijaz to perform Hajj, while 19,500 Hajj quota is being returned to Saudi Arabia.

    Sources of the Ministry of Religious Affairs further told Geo that the Hajj quota has been returned to Saudi Arabia for two years but if the Hajj quota is returned in the future, Pakistan’s quota may be reduced.

    Federal Foreign Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain was given the additional charge of the Ministry of Religious Affairs on April 3, while Additional Secretary Syed Atta-ul-Rehman was given the additional charge of the Secretary of Religious Affairs on October 30 last year.

  • Aimal Wali Khan elected ANP central president

    Aimal Wali Khan elected ANP central president

    Awami National Party (ANP) president Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Aimal Wali Khan was elected the central president of the party on Sunday.

    Chief Election Commissioner Iftikhar Hussain chaired the party’s general council meeting at ANP’s Bacha Khan Centre in Peshawar.

    Haider Khan Hoti suggested Aimal’s name for the presidency, and no other candidates submitted their nomination papers against the Wali scion, Geo has reported.

    Aimal’s father, Asfand Yar Wali, was the previous president of the party. However, the veteran politician has been away from politics for a while, reportedly due to ill health, and didn’t take part in the February 8 general elections.

    On the other hand, ANP central spokesperson Zahid Khan announced his resignation from his position on Saturday. He said that he would not be participating in the ANP’s intra-party elections.

    Sources within the party who know about the situation said that Zahid and Hoti didn’t participate in the intra-party polls.

  • PTI leader Meher Bano Qureshi admits Nawaz Sharif was wronged

    PTI leader Meher Bano Qureshi admits Nawaz Sharif was wronged

    Meher Bano Qureshi, a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf member, recently admitted on a podcast with journalist Mansoor Ali Khan that things “went wrong” with political rival and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif.

    Qureshi expressed disappointment at the Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, saying she “Believed CJP Isa wouldn’t do something against the law.”

    Mansoor asked the PTI leader if she has reservations with CJP Isa then she should have the same stance against ex-CJP Saqib Nisar and his rulings against Nawaz Sharif.

    Meher Bano admitted that whatever was done to Nawaz Sharif was wrong but said “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

  • Japan introduces armpit sweat-infused rice balls

    Japan introduces armpit sweat-infused rice balls

    Sweat-infused rice balls, shaped in the armpits of young pretty girls is a surprising culinary hit in Japan.

    The rice ball snack, locally known as onigiri, is a traditional food item in Japan. The recipe has been given a culinary twist which is making waves locally and said to fetch prices as high as ten times those of regular Onigiri in certain restaurants.

    According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), young women use their armpits to shape the balls in this new bizarre twist to the onigiri. Strict measures are taken to ensure hygiene and safety in the process. Before commencing, all ingredients and body parts that will come into contact with the food undergo thorough disinfection. The chefs then partake in physical activity to induce sweating, using their armpits instead of their hands to shape the rice balls.

    Review of the taste

    As per SCMP, a diner who tried the new version expressed that it is not different or does not have a distinctive flavour from the usual taste of rice balls.

  • CDWP gives go-ahead to 10 development projects valued at Rs115 billion

    CDWP gives go-ahead to 10 development projects valued at Rs115 billion

    In a key meeting held on Friday, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved a total of 10 development projects, with an overall cost of Rs115.458 billion.

    Out of these, eight projects totaling Rs17.297 billion were given the green light by the CDWP forum, while two projects, valued at Rs98.161 billion, were recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.

    Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan chaired the meeting, attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur, Planning Commission members, Additional Secretary Planning, and representatives from federal ministries and provincial governments.

    The meeting’s agenda covered a range of sectors, including agriculture and food, energy, governance, health, higher education, physical planning and housing, science and technology, transport and communication, and water resources.

    A notable project from the agriculture and food sector, the “Sindh Livestock and Aquaculture Development Project,” valued at Rs38.36 billion, was recommended to ECNEC for final approval.

    This World Bank-assisted project aims to improve competitiveness, inclusivity, climate resilience, and sustainability in Sindh’s livestock and aquaculture sectors.

    Another significant project from the energy sector, the “765/500/220/132kV Islamabad West Substation,” worth Rs59.801 billion, was also referred to ECNEC for final approval.

    This World Bank-backed initiative is part of the National Transmission and Modernization Project Phase-I and aims to address increasing power demands in the Islamabad region through a new substation and related transmission lines.

    The governance sector saw approval for the “Modernization and Upgradation of Pakistan Mint Phase-II” project, costing Rs2.48 billion, as well as the “Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) Post-Flood 2022 Reconstruction Program” project, valued at Rs2.38 billion.

    In the physical planning and housing sector, five projects were discussed, including the “Smart Environmental Sanitation System and Landfill Project” in Gwadar, worth Rs3.277 billion, and the “Construction of Audit House, Lahore,” valued at Rs1,528.931 million. Both projects received approval from the CDWP forum.

    A project related to science and technology, the “Establishment of Regional Nuclear Safety Inspectorate at Lahore,” costing Rs515 million, was also approved by the CDWP. This project aims to enhance nuclear safety and oversight in the region.

    The approval of these projects underscores the government’s commitment to advancing critical infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and addressing energy needs, among other priorities. The recommendations to ECNEC signal the importance of these projects for the country’s growth and development.

  • Absent teachers in Balochistan dismissed from jobs

    Absent teachers in Balochistan dismissed from jobs

    The Balochistan government has taken action against more than 2,400 absent teachers and employees in more than 8,500 schools in the province, dismissing 68 teachers while 98 have been suspended.

    Up to 33 employees were dismissed in Pishin, 13 in Quetta, six in Washik, five in Kachhi, four in Dera Bugti, reported Geo News.

    Director Monitoring and Evaluation Education has released a report stating that 8646 schools out of 15168 schools of the province were visited in the month of April, in which 2454 employees, including teachers, were found absent.

    That figure includes 238 employees from Quetta, 177 from Kohlu, 173 from Zhob, 164 from Pishin, 133 from Dera Bugti, 123 from Awaran, and 110 from Naseerabad were found to be absent.

    The report states that in April 2024, except for the dismissed and suspended teachers, 913 were issued show cause notices and 778 were asked to explain their absent.

  • Trump and Biden on same page when it comes to student protestors in America

    Trump and Biden on same page when it comes to student protestors in America

    President of the United States of America Joe Biden and his most popular opponent Donald Trump are on the same page when it comes to students protests in America.

    Trump appeared in a rally where he denounced university students protesting to end the genocide in Gaza as “radical left morons”.

    The assumed Republican US presidential candidate described New York police officers brutally raiding a Columbia University building occupied by pro-Palestinian as a “beautiful thing to watch”. He appreciated them for doing a good job against “raging lunatics and Hamas sympathizers.”

    On the other hand, Joe Biden insisted that “order must prevail” as college campuses across the country face a wave of violence, outrage, and fear. He largely dismissed protesters’ demands, which have included ending U.S. support for Israeli military operations. Asked after his remarks whether the demonstrations would prompt him to consider changing course, Biden responded with a simple “no”, reported AP News.

    Previously, Biden condemned “antisemitic protests” and “those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians.”