Tag: Pakistan

  • Only one woman could make it to Sindh Cabinet

    Only one woman could make it to Sindh Cabinet

    In a simple ceremony held at the Governor House on Monday, nine members of the newly formed 13-member provincial cabinet of Sindh took the oath of office.

    Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori presided over the ceremony, which saw the participation of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and senior bureaucrats. Notably, only one woman was included in the provincial cabinet this time.

    Among those sworn in were familiar faces from Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah’s previous tenure, including Sharjeel Inam Memon, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Ziaul Hussain Lanjar, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, and Ali Hassan Zardari. Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah was unable to attend the ceremony as he was reported to be in Islamabad.

    Additionally, Chief Minister Shah appointed three advisers—Allah Dino Khan Bhayo, Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, and Syed Najmi Alam—to assist in governance.

    Sharjeel Memon was given the transport, mass transit department, excise, taxation and narcotics control department.

    Dr Azra Pechuho, younger sister of President Asif Zardari, was again given the portfolio of the health department and population welfare department like in the previous tenure of the PPP-led provincial government.

    Nasir Shah was given the energy department, which was previously held by Imtiaz Shaikh, and the planning & development department.

    Sardar Shah also retained his previous portfolio of school education and literacy department and college education department. He was given an additional portfolio of mines and minerals development.

    Saeed Ghani, who held different portfolios in previous tenures including information, was once again allotted the department of local government, in addition to the public health engineering and rural development department.

    Jam Khan Shoro, who was the irrigation minister in the previous tenure, this time retained the department. Furthermore, he was allotted food ministry as well.

    Zia Lanjar, a career lawyer and former provincial law minister, was given portfolios of home, law, parliamentary affairs, and criminal prosecution departments.

    Muhammad Bux Mahar was allotted agriculture, supply & prices department, sports & youth affairs department, and inquiries and anti-corruption establishment.

    Earlier in 2018, he was appointed as adviser to the CM on industries and commerce and later he was given the additional ministerial portfolio of sports and youth affairs.

    Ali Hassan Zardari, who was inducted into the provincial cabinet for the first time, was given the prisons department, while Zulfiqar Shah was given the culture, tourism, antiquities & archives department.

    Adviser Allah Dino Bhayo was given the forest and wildlife department, Ehsan Mazari inter-provincial coordination department and cooperative department.

    Najmi Alam, who is also the parliamentary leader of the PPP in the City Council, was appointed adviser on human settlement, spatial development, social housing development, and livestock & fisheries department.

  • Hassan, Hussain Nawaz reach Lahore after suspension of arrest warrants

    Hassan, Hussain Nawaz reach Lahore after suspension of arrest warrants

    After the suspension of arrest warrants by an accountability court, Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz — sons of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif- have reached Lahore on Tuesday.  

    Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif received his sons at his residence, Jati Umrah, Geo has reported.

    Last week, an accountability court suspended the arrest warrants for Hassan and Hussain Nawaz in the Al-Azizia, Flagship, and Avenfield cases.

    Judge Nasir Javed of an accountability court announced the decision. The arrest warrants for Nawaz Sharif’s sons are suspended until March 14.

    The warrants of the brothers were issued seven years ago when the court had declared them absconders.

    Earlier, their lawyer Qazi Misbah filed the plea seeking suspension of the warrants were filed as both brothers planned to return to Pakistan on March 12. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutors Sardar Muzaffar, Usman Masood and Sohail Arif also appeared in the court.

  • ‘There is a serious threat alert,’ Azma Bukhari defends barring meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail

    ‘There is a serious threat alert,’ Azma Bukhari defends barring meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail

    Punjab government has clarified on Tuesday that recent restrictions imposed at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail were not intended to obstruct meetings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders with party founder Imran Khan.

    The statement came after Khan, the former prime minister imprisoned in several cases and serving more than three decades of sentences, was barred from holding meetings inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail for two weeks owing to security concerns.

    “This move wasn’t made to take away any facility from him [Khan]. There is a serious threat alert, which is under investigation,” Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari told Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada.

    Denying PTI’s claims of a false flag operation, Bukhari assured that Khan was being provided with all necessary facilities and emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of all prisoners at Adiala Jail.

    “The incident is under investigation. A series of threat alerts have been issued. These measures were taken to ensure the security of all the prisoners. The security of the facility has to be improved,” she said.

    Slamming PTI’s allegations that the capture of the terrorists was a false flag operation, Bukhari clarified that the opposition party “sees conspiracies” in everything, assuring the party that their leader was being provided all prison facilities.

    “There’s a threat in general [to the Adiala Jail], not Imran Khan, that something unpleasant might happen. Therefore, it is important not only to ensure Imran Khan’s security but everyone else’s.”

    Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan expressed severe concerns over the sudden ban on Khan’s meetings, fearing for the former prime minister’s safety. He demanded immediate consultations with Khan and sought details regarding his health.

    In a related development, the Punjab Home Department requested the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to postpone a meeting between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan due to the prevailing security situation. Temporary restrictions on visits and meetings have been imposed in various jails across Punjab as a precautionary measure against potential threats.

    The Home Department highlighted the existence of multiple security threats to several jails, including Adiala Jail, and directed authorities to conduct security audits and bomb disposal operations promptly.

    As tensions escalate, the Punjab government remains vigilant in safeguarding the security of inmates and ensuring the smooth functioning of correctional facilities across the province.

    Read more: No more meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail but who ordered the ban?

  • Imran Abbas about to release soulful naat recitation

    Imran Abbas about to release soulful naat recitation

    Popular actor Imran Abbas, known for his outstanding performances on television and in films, has captured the hearts of many with his talent and charm. He has starred in numerous successful drama serials such as ‘Meri Zaat Zarra E Be Nishan,’ ‘Khuda Aur Mohabbat,’ and ‘Noor Ul Ain.’

    Recently, Imran Abbas showcased another dimension of his talent by reciting a beautiful naat in his melodious voice. Imran, who enjoys a strong following both locally and internationally, is not only celebrated for his acting prowess but also for his captivating voice.

    In a recent video he shared on Instagram, he mesmerized his audience with a soulful rendition of a naat originally sung by renowned Pakistani Naat Khuwan Umme Habiba. Fans were enchanted by his heartfelt performance, once again proving his versatility.

    Watch the video here:

  • Jannat Mirza faces criticism for sharing iftar party photos

    Jannat Mirza faces criticism for sharing iftar party photos

    Jannat Mirza faces criticism for sharing iftar party photos

    Jannat Mirza, TikTok star and famous actress, is facing criticism for sharing pictures from an Iftar party.

    Mirza shared photos on her Instagram, where she is seen in a black outfit and blue nail polish on her nails.
    Some people on social media criticized her, asking whether one needs to get this dressed up for Iftar pictures.
    Even though people criticized her, Jannat Mirza kept posting photos on social media and talking with her followers.
    We say, good on her. If she wants to dress up for an iftar, its her choice.

  • Tayyip Erdogan congratulates Asif Zardari on becoming president

    Tayyip Erdogan congratulates Asif Zardari on becoming president

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called newly-elected president Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday to congratulate him on becoming the head of state.

    The President’s Secretariat said in a statement that both leaders talked about important issues and agreed to work together for the betterment of the countries.

    President Zardari also thanked Erdogan for his phone call and best wishes.

    “President Asif Ali Zardari wished a happy Ramadan to the Turkish nation and desired to see the role of Turkish women in the Islamic world,” read the statement.

    He also expressed a desire to invite the Turkish President to Pakistan for a visit soon.

    Asif Zardari became president for the second time with a big majority on Saturday. He got 411 votes from parliament and the four assemblies.

    Besides the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the newly elected president had the backing of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-Pakistan), and other smaller parties.

  • Iqrar ul Hassan:Not everyone can afford to marry more than once

    Iqrar ul Hassan:Not everyone can afford to marry more than once

    Television host Iqrar ul Hassan is known for his show Sar E Aam. The anchor often remains in the news because of his multiple marriages.

    Recently, he confirmed his third marriage with Uroosa Khan in a YouTube interview. “I don’t want to talk much about my multiple marriages because our society doesn’t like it. But if people congratulate me, I accept it. I don’t harm any of my wives, and if they’re happy, then it’s not wrong, right? Yes, I know society sees multiple marriages as a bad thing. Not everyone can afford it, and nobody knows my reasons. I don’t share details because my wives have their own lives. I don’t want to make it seem good because then people might copy me.”

    Regarding rumors of a fourth marriage, he said, “There are only three, I haven’t heard any rumors about a fourth marriage. Everything is on social media. I share pictures.” He mentioned that his third wife gets along well with his son Pehlaj and that he treats all his wives equally.

    He also talked about his wives: Qurat Ul Ain Iqrar is caring and has changed his life, Farah Iqrar is a gift from Allah, and Uroosa Khan brings happiness to his family.

    @galaxylollywood Iqrar-ul-Hassan addresses the backlash he receives over his married life on social media, exclaiming that he’s done “nothing wrong” by getting married more than once, and it is simply a negative concept in our society, hence he doesn’t feel the need to explain himself to anyone. #IqrarUlHassan #GalaxyLollywood #foryou #fyp #tiktokpakistan #tiktok #viral ♬ original sound – Galaxy Lollywood

  • The most nutritious things you can eat in Sehri

    The most nutritious things you can eat in Sehri

    Ramzan is about to begin and this month is very important from a health point of view. People usually consume two meals in the day. Therefore, the choice of foods during Sehri is very important as they act as fuel for the whole day.

    Luckily, the weather is not likely to be very hot this Ramzan, however, dehydration in the body during fasting is still a risk. So, the following nutritional tips can help maintain body energy throughout the day and also protect against dehydration.

    Choose a healthy and light diet

    Choose Sehri foods that are beneficial for health and do not burden the stomach. Bread, eggs, vegetables, pulses and chicken can be considered the best.

    Have dates regularly

    Apart from iftar, it is useful to eat one or two dates in sehri. Dates contain many nutrients including copper and magnesium, while the sweetness in them provides energy in the form of glucose in the body.

    Use yogurt

    Adding yogurt to sehri balances the diet and reduces the possibility of acidity. Yogurt is high in water content so it also reduces the chances of dehydration during fasting.

    Apples and bananas

    Adding these two fruits to breakfast provides the body with fiber, vitamin C and several antioxidants while reducing the risk of dehydration.

    Foods high in water content

    Eating foods high in water content like cucumbers, tomatoes, or watermelons can reduce the chance of dehydration throughout the day.

    Avoid foods high in chillies, salt and sugar

    Minimize the consumption of chillies, salt and sugar in Sehri as excessive consumption of these three will make you feel more thirsty throughout the day. Consuming too much salt in particular increases the risk of dehydration as it causes fluid to accumulate around it, increasing the feeling of thirst.

    Don’t forget to drink adequate amounts of water

    A simple and good way to avoid dehydration is to drink adequate amounts of water during Sehri. You have to decide it for yourself, as to how much the amount of water should it be but not too much or too little.

    Note: This article is based on details published in medical journals, readers must consult their physician in this regard.

  • Car sales increase in Pakistan despite high prices, economic challenges

    Car sales increase in Pakistan despite high prices, economic challenges

    In a surprising turn of events, the soaring prices of cars in Pakistan have not deterred buyers, as car sales experienced a notable uptick in February 2024.

    According to data released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), car sales edged up by 1.94 per cent, reaching 7,953 units, compared to 7,802 units recorded in January 2024.

    This positive momentum follows a robust performance in the preceding month, where car sales hit their highest mark since December 2022.

    Analysts attribute this continued growth to the momentum generated by the new year, which has carried over into February.

    Year-on-year comparisons reveal a substantial increase, with car sales spiking by 2.18 times compared to February 2023, when only 3,642 units were sold.

    However, despite this recent surge, cumulative sales for the first eight months of fiscal year 2024 stand at 46,417 units, marking a 40.93 per cent decline from the same period last year.

    Similarly, the production of passenger cars has witnessed a significant downturn, with 8MFY24 recording 48,402 units, reflecting a 40.84 per cent decrease compared to the previous fiscal year.

    In February alone, production plummeted by 16.77 per cent month-on-month, totaling 8,002 units, down from 9,614 units in January 2023.

    Nonetheless, on a year-on-year basis, production saw a remarkable surge of 69.97 per cent, indicating a shift in manufacturing trends.

    Despite these fluctuations, the automotive landscape faces challenges, notably with Pak Suzuki Motor Company announcing two price hikes within a span of ten days in response to increased sales tax.

    The repercussions of these adjustments on sales are anticipated to unfold in the coming weeks, as the market adapts to the new pricing structure.

  • 24-karat gold price dips slightly by Rs100 per tola

    24-karat gold price dips slightly by Rs100 per tola

    In the domestic bullion market, Tuesday saw a relatively stagnant session, with the price of 24-karat gold slipping by Rs100 to Rs230,100 per tola.

    Notably, this marks the first decline in gold prices in Pakistan following ten consecutive sessions of growth.

    Just last week, the price of 24-karat gold surged by almost Rs10,000 per tola, reaching levels unseen since September 2023.

    However, according to the Karachi Sarafa Association, the price of 10-gramme 24-karat gold dropped to Rs197,274 per tola, reflecting a decrease of Rs86.

    Similarly, the price of 10-gramme 22-karat gold experienced a slight dip, settling at Rs180,834.

    Contrastingly, silver prices remained stable today, with 24-karat silver maintaining its rate at Rs 2,600 per tola and Rs2,229.08 per 10-gramme.

    On the global stage, international spot gold traded near $2,177.14 an ounce, marking a 0.26% decrease from the previous session.

    Investors are closely monitoring Tuesday’s U.S. inflation data, anticipating its impact on monetary policy.