At least 28 people have been killed and 40 injured in two separate blasts in Balochistan on Wednesday afternoon, just a few short hours before polling starts on election day.
The first attack claimed at least 15 people’s lives while over 30 were injured after an explosion took place outside an independent candidate’s office in Balochistan’s Pishin. The second blast took place outside a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) office in the Killa Saifullah district. The Pishin blast happened outside the political office of independent candidate Asfand Yar Khan Kakar in the Khanozai area.
Injured people have been shifted to the Tehsil Hospital Khanozai, while the bodies have also been transferred, the hospital’s MS Dr Habib told Geo News.
In a significant development, the caretaker federal cabinet has granted approval for the restructuring of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the privatisation of First Women Bank Limited.
This decision, based on recommendations put forth by the Privatisation Division, aims to address the financial challenges faced by PIA in recent years.
The pivotal meeting of the federal cabinet, presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, saw the submission of restructuring recommendations by the Privatisation Division.
It was highlighted during the session that PIA has been grappling with financial losses over an extended period.
Previous cabinet meetings had already endorsed the appointment of a financial advisor, whose role is integral to the financial and administrative restructuring of PIA.
The cabinet was briefed on the progress, indicating that the financial advisor has devised a comprehensive financial restructuring plan aligned with international norms.
Under this plan, PIA is set to undergo a division into two distinct entities: Top-Co and Hold-Co. The core operations of PIA, including engineering, ground handling, cargo, flight kitchen, and training, will be consolidated under Top-Co.
On the other hand, entities such as Precision Engineering Complex, PIA Investment Limited, properties, and other subsidiaries will find their place within Hold-Co.
This strategic restructuring aims not only to address the financial challenges faced by PIA but also to attract potential investors.
The cabinet has been briefed on the measures undertaken to enhance the attractiveness of PIA for investment, laying the groundwork for a positive trajectory in the airline’s future.
Google Trends offer an insight into the popularity and curiosity political leaders enjoy among the masses. As the elections are drawing near, we took a peak into the data Google Trends have recorded over the last 30 days.
The highest and ever-increasing line graph is Imran Khan’s. The highest peak was shown on January 30 with Khan hitting the record 100 score whereas his contemporaries, Nawaz stood on 15, Maryam Nawaz at eight, Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari at three, and Hamza Shehbaz being the lowest: less than one.
However, it is important to note that Imran’s progressively increasing arc starts dropping successively in the days after Jan 30.
On the other hand, except for Hamza Shehbaz, the other three is slowly on an upward trend.
Breakdown of regions
PTI founder and jailed leader Imran Khan is most popular all over Pakistan according to Google Trends.
Punjab
In Punjab, the most popular choices for Chief Ministership, Hamza Shehbaz, and Maryam Nawaz contrary to popular perception, are not being searched so much. After Khan winning with more than 69 percent of searches, Nawaz Sharif is at 17 percent while Maryam is at nine percent. It appears that people in Punjab are comparatively more interested in Bilawal than Hamza who has 1 percent searches from all over the province.
However, it is important to note that out of all the provinces, Punjab has shown more interest in PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif. Sindh has shown the most interest after Punjab, which is 11 percent, 10 percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nine percent in Balochistan, and seven percent in former FATA.
Sindh
After Imran Khan (69 percent) former Foreign Minister and Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is unsurprisingly most popular in Sindh with 13 percent of Google searches. Second in line is Punjab and third is Balochistan. After him is Nawaz (11 percent) followed by Maryam (7 percent).
Balochistan
Imran Khan leading the slot here with 84 percent followed by Nawaz (9 percent), Maryam (4 percent), and Biawal Bhutto (3 percent). Hamza does not invoke public curiosity even the slightest.
Gilgit Baltistan
Imran Khan has a 100 percent popularity rate in Gilgit Baltistan, where it seems no other party leader stands a chance, implying that there were minor searches of them in GB.
Former FATA
Interestingly, in the former federally administered tribal areas, only Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif were searched for, Khan at 93 per cent of searches and Nawaz at seven percent.
Though Google search and Google trends are not the ultimate parameter of a party leader’s popularity, they certainly are proof of what netizens are most interested in and the social media footing of a politician.
Arisha Razi has recently shared beautiful photos from her Mayun ceremony, but without showing her groom. Now, she’s posted a delightful video with her husband from the same event and they both look stunning. In the video, they’re twirling happily in matching orange outfits. Arisha’s makeup and hair were done by Rabia Anam Salon, her outfit was from Haseens Official, and her jewelry was by Allure by MHT.
Global food chain McDonald’s came under fire when the Israel chapter announced last year it had donated thousands of free meals to Israel Defence Forces troops committing war crimes in Gaza. Consumers across the globe boycotted the fast food giant. Coffee chain Starbucks has also been hit by similar boycotts.
Now the numbers are finally out, and it seems that the McDonald’s boycott has been quite successful. The company registered its first quarterly sales miss in nearly four years on Monday, squeezed by weak sales growth in its business division that includes the Middle East, China, and India, reports The Guardian.
Comparable sales in McDonald’s International Developmental Licensed Markets segment rose 0.7 per cent in the quarter, widely missing estimates of a 5.5 per cent growth, according to London Stock Exchange Group data. The business accounted for 10 per cent of McDonald’s total revenue in 2023.
The CEO, Chris Kempczinski, last month showed concern about a “meaningful business impact“ in McDonald’s Middle East market and some areas outside the region due to the war as well as “associated misinformation” about the brand.
“The effects [of the war] on earnings durability would be our biggest concern … it looks like this is going to be an issue that persists past the next quarter or maybe even two,” said Brian Mulberry, client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, which holds McDonald’s shares.
Similar boycotts have hit other brands including Zara and Starbucks, which missed market expectations and cut its yearly sales forecasts last week. It told investors that there was “significant impact on traffic and sales” in the Middle East due to the war on Gaza.
Starbucks previously said a sales recovery in China was slower than its expectations.
Meanwhile, consumer spending in China, McDonald’s second-largest market, has also remained weak despite government support measures.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief organizer Maryam Nawaz has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to stop indulging in what she described as politics of hate. “Today I want to say that I am ready to forget all the oppression against us,” Maryam said. “I promise today and invite everyone to put an end to all this once and for all,” she said at a rally in Kasur. “I want a Pakistan where the government concentrates on serving people instead of avenging the past,” she said.
Be it daily soaps or serials, Pakistani dramas have an enormous viewership around the globe. In 2023, we witnessed blockbuster gems like Tere Bin, Kuch Ankahi, Fairy Tale, and Mayi Ri, depicting unconventional stories that kept the audiences hooked to their screens. While 2023 was a good year for Pakistani television, 2024 seems to be even better with a good line-up of projects including a few fresh concepts and pairings. Here are the top TV shows that everyone is excited about this year:
1: Tere Bin Season 2 Drama – Har Pal Geo TV
On Dec 29, 2023, Abdullah Kadwani announced news about Tere Bin Season 2, exciting fans for Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi’s return in a love story tackling social barriers. With Bushra Ansari and Sohail Sameer in supporting roles and the potential return of Sabeena Farooq, anticipation is high. The cast yet to be fully confirmed but may include Wahaj Ali, Yumna Zaidi, Bushra Ansari, Sabeena Farooq, and Sohail Sameer.
2: Radd drama –Ary Digital
Radd, made by Abdullah Seja and Jarjees Seja, stars Hiba Bukhari and Sheheryar Munawar in the main roles. Ahmad Bhatti directed the show, and Sanam Mehdi Zaryab wrote it. The first episode of the series will air on 19-4-2024 at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital, the official channel for the show.
3: Fanna – Green TV
Fanna promises a captivating journey of love, loyalty, and resilience, featuring powerful performances and emotional storytelling. Scheduled for release in 26-2-2024 at 8 PM, the drama will be aired on GREEN TV.
4: Dil Pe Dastak- Hum TV
Dil Pe Dastak is a Pakistani drama produced by Momina Duraid, starring Khaqan Shahnawaz and Aena Khan in leading roles. It features many supporting actors and is produced by MD Production. Episode 1 will air on March 11, 2024, at 9:00 PM on HUM TV.
5: Tum Bin Kesay Jiyen- ARY Digital
Tum Bin Kesay Jiyen is a Pakistani drama on ARY Digital, centered around true friendships, genuine love, and keeping promises. Starring Junaid Jamshed Niazi, Saniya Shamshad, and Hammad Shoaib, this fresh take is written by Edison Idrees Masih and directed by Saqib Khan, produced by IDream Entertainment. Episode 1 airs on 25-2-2024 at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital.
Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) founder chairman Imran Khan, has lodged a challenge against the authorities’ decision to confine her to her Bani Gala residence to serve a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case.
Previously detained at the sprawling residence, Bushra Bibi was imprisoned last month following an accountability court’s ruling that sentenced the couple to 14 years in jail in connection with the Toshakhana case.
In response to a request from the Adiala jail superintendent, authorities designated the Bani Gala house as a sub-jail for the former first lady’s confinement.
Both Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan were handed a 14-year jail term by Judge Muhammad Bashir in the Toshakhana case, which pertains to the illegal sale of state gifts.
In a recent petition, Bushra Bibi expressed her willingness to serve her sentence in ordinary jail premises at Adiala rather than the declared sub-jail at her residence, emphasizing her readiness to undergo punishment like any other political worker of the party.
Furthermore, she cited concerns about her safety in the solitary confinement of the sub-jail premises, highlighting potential security issues for preferring the ordinary jail premises.
“While the petitioner is in good health currently, however, there has been a movement of unidentified people in her house declared as a sub-jail by the Government thereby contributing to her sense of insecurity,” the application claimed.
Bushra Bibi said the “special treatment” afforded to her goes against the spirit of equality guaranteed under the Constitution and is consequently discriminatory.
Given the stated reasons, the petitioner pleaded with the court to set aside notification to declare her house sub-jail and shift her to Adiala Jail in the “interest of justice”.
Actor Mikaal Zulfikar has expressed his opinion regarding a second marriage.
Mikaal was the guest on a T.V. programme, and opened up about his personal life as well as issues within the industry.
In response to a question about the second marriage, the actor said, “My father advises me to marry a foreigner; he often says, ‘Do what I have done and marry a foreigner.’ Well, I have had the experience of marriage in Pakistan. To be honest, I don’t think about getting married again because I have two kids, and I am at peace. I want to live like that.”
Mikaal Zulfiqar’s first marriage was with Sara Bhatti, which ended in 2017 after seven years.
Caretaker federal minister, Gohar Ijaz, said on Tuesday in a press conference that the election is a matter of Pakistan’s honour, adding that the caretaker government is fulfilling its responsibility of holding elections ‘with honesty’.
He also said that the law and order situation is now better in Sindh. He further mentioned that the police and civil armed forces have the ability to overcome any adverse law and order situation.
Ijaz also mentioned that there are no issues between election candidates in Balochistan, and all political parties in the province are in communication with each other.
He also said that Pakistan is threatened by forces that want to destabilise the country. However, the country’s security system can protect Pakistan from those forces.
