Tag: Pakistan

  • IMF mission to arrive tomorrow for final review discussions on Pakistan’s SBA

    IMF mission to arrive tomorrow for final review discussions on Pakistan’s SBA

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is poised to commence vital economic review discussions from March 14 to 18, 2024, marking the conclusive evaluation of Pakistan’s Standby Arrangement (SBA).

    Sources within the Finance Ministry have confirmed that the IMF mission is scheduled to touch down in Pakistan tomorrow night, kickstarting a series of pivotal discussions set to unfold over the next four days.

    During this intensive period, the IMF mission is slated to engage in comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan’s economic team. Key participants include representatives from the Finance Ministry, Energy Ministry, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Planning Commission, and the Petroleum Division.

    Insiders suggest that the IMF mission will delve into discussions covering a spectrum of economic facets. Talks are expected to encompass various critical sectors, including finance, energy, taxation, and central banking.

    Furthermore, in parallel with these discussions, preliminary conversations are anticipated to unfold regarding the potential initiation of a new loan programme with the IMF mission. This prospect adds an extra layer of significance to the ongoing economic deliberations as Pakistan navigates its financial landscape in the pursuit of sustainable economic growth.

    Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage as the IMF mission engages in the final review of Pakistan’s Standby Arrangement, paving the way for crucial decisions that could shape the nation’s economic trajectory in the coming months.

  • What should a girl go for: Money or looks? Azekah Daniel gives her opinion

    What should a girl go for: Money or looks? Azekah Daniel gives her opinion

    Azekah Daniel, who works as both an actor and a model, recently appeared on the cricket show ‘Har Lamha Purjosh’. She talked about what she likes in men, saying she prefers intelligence and personality over just good looks.

    During the show, she joined in fun activities and answered the host Najeeb-ul-Husnain’s questions.
    When asked about what she thinks is more important in marriage, money or looks, Azekah said, “None, I believe.” She explained, “As far as money is involved, it can be earned by either of the two parties involved or even both together. And about looks, I prefer intellect and personality over it.”

    In response to another question, Azekah said, “Directors, producers, and channels are more important for acting, rather than scripts and co-stars. I have worked with good directors on weak scripts, they either rewrite or execute in such a way which looks visually appealing to the viewers, so it’s all about how you are able to present something to the audience.”

    She also admitted that she sometimes chooses not to work on projects because of certain co-stars she doesn’t want to work with.

  • Aik MNA ki salary kitni hai?

    Aik MNA ki salary kitni hai?

    Whenever you start a new job people ask “Salary kitni hai?” Well our newly inducted Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) are being asked the same and we are telling you what their salary is.

    Their basic pay is Rs 150,000 while the sumptuary allowance, a benefit granted to several grades of Central Government employees to cover the expenses incurred on entertaining visitors, is 5,000. They also get a telephone allowance of ten thousand rupees and they also get an office maintenance allowance of eight thousand rupees. In addition to this, their ad-hoc relief allowance is 15 thousand rupees.

    The breakdown of allowances for attending each session of the National Assembly is as follows:

    Daily allowance (special): Rs4,800 per day
    Daily allowance (ordinary): Rs2,800 per day
    Conveyance allowance: Rs2,000 per day
    Housing allowance: Rs2,000 per day

    These allowances are dispersed for three days preceding the session and three days following it.

    Moreover, MNAs receive additional funds based on their mode of transportation:

    By air (business class): Rs150 per kilometer
    By road: Rs10 per kilometer
    By rail: An amount equivalent to one air-conditioned class fare and one second-class fare

    Additionally, the government provides MNAs with “free travel” vouchers, enabling them to avail Pakistani airline services or Pakistan Railways. The benefits include:

    Travel vouchers worth Rs300,000 annually or a cash allowance of Rs90,000
    Twenty-five business class return air tickets per year.
    Furthermore, each MNA is eligible to have a telephone installed free of charge at their residence.

    Lastly, MNAs are reimbursed for their medical expenses, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their well-being.

  • Rani Mukerji wins best actress award for ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’

    Rani Mukerji wins best actress award for ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’

    Bollywood star Rani Mukherji, known for her powerful role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,’ won the Best Actress award at the Zee Cine Awards. She portrayed a strong-willed mother fighting against all odds to reunite with her children.

    While receiving the award she said, “This award is very special for me. This is my 27th year in the industry, and it is heartening to see my work being acknowledged and awarded.”
    Calling ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ a “very special film”, Mukherjee said that for her it was essential to ensure that this story reaches a wider audience. “This is the story of every Indian woman, every mother.”
    She thanked director Ashima Chibber for bringing the story to life and reaching a larger audience.
    “A huge thanks to my producers Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment for supporting this film when many doubted content-driven movies’ success in theaters,”
    Rani further stated, “I am also grateful to the Estonian crew for their Rani Mukerji wins best actress award for ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’

    Bollywood star Rani Mukherji, known for her powerful role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,’ won the Best Actress award at the Zee Cine Awards. She portrayed a strong-willed mother fighting against all odds to reunite with her children.
    She said, “This award is very special for me. This is my 27th year in the industry, and it is heartening to see my work being acknowledged and awarded.”
    She continued, “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ is a very special film because it is the story of a mother and her strength. For me, it was essential to ensure that this story reaches a wider audience because this is the story of every Indian woman, every mother.”
    She expressed, ‘I would like to specially thank my director Ashima Chibber for bringing this story to life and reaching a larger audience through me.’

    She added, ‘A huge thanks to my producers Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment for supporting this film when many doubted content-driven movies’ success in theaters.”
    Rani further stated, “I am also grateful to the Estonian crew for their significant contribution to the film’s production. 2023 was an important year for cinema, and films like ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ received immense respect and love from the audience.”
    She concluded, “It is because of your love that I have been honored with this award. We receive awards because of the love of our colleagues and the audience. Thank you once again for giving so much love to ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.’ I am very grateful.”

  • Atif Aslam sings ‘Allah Hu Allah’ for Ramazan 2024

    Atif Aslam sings ‘Allah Hu Allah’ for Ramazan 2024

    Atif Aslam may have numerous pop and romantic hits to his credit, but he always makes time for singing devotional songs.

    The superstar often recites naats and hamds, not only for his fans but also for himself and his children, a fact he confirmed in an interview. Reciting Kalam makes him feel peaceful and he even wishes to recite aazan someday in Makkah.

    Atif Aslam has sung Tajdar e Haram, Mustafa Jaan e Rehmat Pe Lakhon Salam, and Wohi Khuda Hai. This year, for Ramadan 2024, he worked together with Sarsabz and sang Allah Hu Allah. When you hear Atif’s mesmerizing voice against the backdrop of the stunning Badshahi Mosque, you’ll feel amazed.

  • Kubra Khan breaks silence on Gohar Rasheed link-up rumors

    Kubra Khan breaks silence on Gohar Rasheed link-up rumors

    Popular film and TV star Kubra Khan has finally addressed rumors linking her to her close friend and seasoned actor, Gohar Rasheed.

    In a recent interview with a digital magazine, Kubra discussed her relationship with Gohar and how she feels about the persistent rumors. She remarked, “I’m used to it now. I’m like if it happens, you guys made it happen. I swear, you guys pushed it so much… But no, it doesn’t bother me anymore to be honest because it has been happening for eight years, and eventually now I’m like, yeah whatever.”

    She further added, “I’m not going to say that I’m mature or thick-skinned now, but the thing is the truth always comes out eventually, and I don’t have the energy to react to every Tom, Dick, and Harry.”

    When questioned about her personal life and any romantic interests, Khan humorously suggested, “Maybe I have been married all this time, and no one got to know because I have kept my life so private from social media.” However, she clarified that she was joking. “I’m not married, I’m really not. But honestly, the extent of privacy I have kept in my personal life, you might not know if when I get married,” she told the host.

    Gohar Rasheed and Kubra Khan appeared together in the Eid-al-Adha blockbuster ‘London Nahi Jaunga’, alongside Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat.

  • Export of onions and bananas banned in first meeting of cabinet

    Export of onions and bananas banned in first meeting of cabinet

    The federal cabinet has approved a ban on the export of bananas and onion till April 15, 2024, a step taken to bring down rates during Ramzan, reporting Geo News.

    The first meeting of the newly elected federal cabinet was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in which the economic situation of the country was deliberated upon and important decisions were taken including the ban on exporting bananas and onions.
    The ban was imposed to ensure ample availability in the market.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to immediately form a committee to control the prices of food items. The cabinet says that the committee will closely monitor the prices of food items in collaboration with the provincial governments.

    The Prime Minister also issued orders to take strict action against unnecessary increase in prices of essential commodities and illegal profiteering.
    Shahbaz Sharif said that no negligence will be tolerated in taking strict action against profiteering.

    With the beginning of Ramzan, onion prices have reached 300 rupees per kg, while the prices of other food items are also very high.

  • President Zardari will not take salary as president

    President Zardari will not take salary as president

    The newly elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, has decided that he will not take salar in light of the economic crisis in Pakistan.

    President Zardari took the decision as the country is passing through a difficult time and the economy is not stable.

    President House said that Asif Ali Zardari has decided not to burden the national treasury and prefers not to take a salary.

    Zardari took the oath as the 14th president in a ceremony held at the President’s House on Sunday, with his children and grandson in attendance.

    The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, took the oath from the newly elected president. Political and military leaders, along with foreign ambassadors, attended the ceremony.

    A guard of honour was presented to the new president on the day after the swearing-in ceremony.

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

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

    The Punjab Home Ministry has implemented a temporary prohibition on incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from conducting meetings within Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

    Imran Khan, currently serving a cumulative sentence of 31 years in multiple cases, has been utilizing his time in the Rawalpindi facility since September 2023 for meetings with his legal team, family members, and party officials.

    The ban has been slapped on for two weeks, sources within the Punjab home department said, while media coverage is also prohibited in front of Adiala Jail’s gate 5.

    A security officer stated that media coverage is not allowed and directed that the media teams would stay a minimum of two kilometers away from Adiala jail.

    Tuesday and Thursday were reserved by the Adiala Jail administration for meetings with the PTI founder on the orders of the court, but now the meetings have been banned for two weeks.

    As per sources of The Current Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a prominent leader of PTI, was supposed to meet Imran Khan on Monday but later the meeting was shifted to Tuesday. According to the souce, Jail authorities claimed that barring Gandapur from meeting Imran would create rifts between provinces and ‘it wouldn’t be a nice message across the board’.

    The source said that after some hesitation, the meeting was allowed and in reaction, Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab and a prominent leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN), retaliated and said that the jail has been converted into “Zaman Park” and this should stop.

    We reached out to Marriyum Aurangzeb for a comment on this matter but we haven’t got a response yet.

    Recently, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) announced the apprehension of three terrorists and the confiscation of a map of Adiala Jail, a hand grenade, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from their possession. Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani reported the recovery of automatic weapons and ammunition from the detained individuals, who were identified as Afghan nationals.

    In a separate incident last November, law enforcement discovered a suspicious bag containing an explosive device near Adiala Road in Gorakhpur, Rawalpindi, merely a kilometer away from the correctional facility.

    In January, the former Prime Minister, alongside Shah Mahmood Qureshi, received a 10-year sentence in the cipher case for the unauthorized disclosure of confidential communications sent by the country’s ambassador in Washington to the government in Islamabad.

    This was succeeded by a 14-year verdict imposed on Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, by an accountability court in the Toshakhana reference, for their alleged misuse of official privileges to trade gifts received during foreign visits while holding office from 2018 to 2022, collectively valued at over Rs140 million ($635,000). Additionally, the couple was fined a total of Rs1.57 billion.

    After these rulings, Khan and Bushra were further sentenced to seven years in the “un-Islamic nikah” case, along with a Rs500,000 penalty each, for their marriage before the completion of the 90-day iddat period following Bushra’s divorce.

    Moreover, both Khan and his spouse faced indictment in the £190 million case during the jail trial conducted at Adiala jail.

    PTI and Khan’s associates have persistently urged for his release, denouncing the charges as “fabricated” and expressing concerns for his safety while incarcerated.

  • Asfand Yar Wali’s wife passes away in Charsadda

    Asfand Yar Wali’s wife passes away in Charsadda

    Awami National Party (ANP) President Asfand Yar Wali’s wife and mother of Aimal Wali Khan, has passed away on Monday in Charsadda.

    Funeral prayers were held in the ancestral home Wali Bagh. The deceased was buried near the graves of Khan Abdul Wali Khan and Begum Naseem Wali Khan.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali Khan, former chief minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilor, Sardar Hussain Babak, former senator Farhatullah Babar, former federal minister Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti, former and current parliamentarians, and a large number of ANP workers attended the funeral prayers.

    Aimal Wali Khan lowered his mother’s body in the grave.

    The ANP president didn’t attend the funeral prayers due to illness.